In a controversial move, city commissioners in Miami, Florida, voted 3-2 on Tuesday to enter into a 287(g) partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This agreement allows local police to collaborate with ICE in enforcing federal immigration laws, a stark contrast to many major cities across the United States that prohibit local authorities from cooperating on immigration matters.
An ICE spokesperson expressed support for the partnership, emphasizing the effectiveness of the 287(g) program as a means of enhancing public safety.
“We value our partnerships with state and local law enforcement, and the success of the 287(g) program allows for a force multiplier in enforcing immigration laws,” the spokesperson stated.
The agency advocates for a unified government approach to tackle public safety and national security threats.
In February, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order to facilitate state and local law enforcement in solidifying agreements with ICE, reinforcing the Trump administration’s focus on deportation efforts.
“Florida is setting the example for states in combating illegal immigration and working with the Trump Administration to restore the rule of law,” DeSantis remarked at the time, asserting that increased collaboration with ICE would enhance the efficiency of deportations, thereby making communities safer.
Despite this support, the 287(g) agreement faced significant opposition from various groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Florida Immigrant Coalition, along with some residents.
Dariel Gomez, Statewide Organizer for the ACLU of Florida, criticized the decision, stating, “This is a shameful day for Miami.
With their vote, commissioners chose fear over facts, and division over unity.
This agreement will not make us safer – it will only spread fear and isolate the very people who make our city strong.”
Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, also condemned the partnership, expressing concern for Miami’s immigrant community.
“287(g) doesn’t belong in any city, but especially not in Miami – a place shaped by immigrants, built by immigrants, and powered by immigrants,” Petit stated.
She emphasized that more than half of Miami’s residents are foreign-born and criticized the commissioners for what she termed a betrayal of the community they were elected to protect.
In response to the controversy, a White House spokeswoman defended the city’s decision, highlighting the Trump administration’s commitment to deporting illegal immigrants as a vital aspect of its safety agenda.
“President Trump’s promise to deport illegal aliens is a key plank of his agenda to Make America Safe Again,” Abigail Jackson remarked.
The White House expressed appreciation for collaboration with local officials in efforts to remove dangerous criminals from the streets.
In April, a large-scale operation involving ICE and Florida authorities led to the arrest of 1,120 illegal immigrants, of whom 63% had prior criminal records or convictions, and many were linked to gang affiliations.
The discourse surrounding the 287(g) program and Miami’s decision reflects the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and local law enforcement’s role in enforcing it.
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