Miami Approves Controversial Immigration Enforcement Partnership

The City of Miami has approved a controversial agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program, allowing local police to enforce certain federal immigration laws.

The decision, passed in a 3–2 vote, empowers Miami officers to question, detain, and arrest individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. Commissioners Joe Carollo, Miguel Angel Gabela, and Ralph “Rafael” Rosado voted in favor, while Christine King and Damian Pardo opposed it.

Commissioner Pardo voiced concern over the climate the agreement creates. “It’s one of fear and repression—not welcoming,” he said, warning it could sow distrust in immigrant communities.

The public was divided. At Tuesday’s city commission meeting, residents lined up to share personal stories and voice concerns. “I know the fear when you’re small and don’t know if your mother will come back,” said Yareliz Mendez Zamora, a local resident whose family has faced immigration struggles.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier defended the agreement, calling enforcement of immigration law a “priority.” “We believe in the rule of law,” he said, “and we must support Homeland Security and ICE as best we can.”

In addition to the immigration vote, the commission also approved two other significant measures—setting term limits for elected officials and shifting city elections to even-numbered years to coincide with federal election cycles. Both passed narrowly, also by 3–2 margins.

The 287(g) partnership signals a shift in Miami’s approach to immigration enforcement, reigniting debates over public safety, civil rights, and community trust in law enforcement.