MIAMI – Despite hours of emotional public comment and an overflow crowd at City Hall, Miami commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve a controversial immigration enforcement agreement with the federal government known as 287(g).
The agreement allows Miami police officers to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents within city limits — a move critics say could instill fear and mistrust in immigrant communities.
Community members filled the chambers, many holding signs and pleading with commissioners to reject the proposal. Public speakers were given two minutes each to voice their concerns.
“If you agree with this deal with ICE, you are putting honest and brave city of Miami police officers in an impossible position,” said Abel S. Delgado, president of the Miami-Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus at the commission meeting. “You are telling them to arrest our neighbors for pursuing the American dream.”
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“These are our neighbors, not criminals, murderers, or rapists,” another speaker added. “Please do not help advance the environment of fear, anxiety and cruelty being created by these illegal deportations,”
Ashley Toussaint, of the Black Men Build organization, criticized the origins of the proposal, saying, “This type of policy is being influenced from people who don’t know what it’s like to be from Miami. So don’t be bullied.”
The debate revealed a clear divide on the commission.
Commission Chair Christine King was among those opposed, saying, “I do not believe we should voluntarily enter into this agreement.”
Still, the measure passed by a 3-2 vote.
Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales said the department is concerned about possible political fallout.
“There’s a very strong inference that if we do not enter into this agreement, there would certainly be some sort of repercussion,” he told commissioners.
The 287(g) program, which enables local officers to act in immigration enforcement roles, has long been controversial. Critics say it fuels fear and distrust in immigrant communities and puts city police officers in roles better suited to federal agents.
The proposed agreement is tied to Florida’s immigration law, which took effect last year after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law.
In addition to the immigration debate, the commission also heard public comment on a separate issue: term limits.
Rick Madonna, who supports term limits, said: “By opening the door to two-term limits, we open the door to new leadership and fresh perspectives.”
But others pushed back, including Miami resident Miguel Soliman.
“I don’t think it’s right in the middle of the game or toward the end of the game to change the rules,” he said.
“The lifetime you can serve in the city of Miami is 16 years — that’s a good amount of time, then leave it open to more faces, more innovation," said Commissioner Damian Pardo.
The final vote on term limits is expected at a future meeting.
