Miami Commissioner Pushes to Oust Police Chief Amid Political Allegations

Tensions flared at Miami City Hall Thursday as Commissioner Ralph Rosado called for the removal of Police Chief Manuel Morales, accusing him of preparing a political campaign while still serving in office.

Rosado urged the City Manager to appoint an interim chief and immediately begin searching for a permanent replacement. Morales, who is set to retire in October, has reportedly been considering a run for Rosado’s District 4 commission seat in November 2027.

“I don’t know what kind of trust I can have in you to continue in this role,” Rosado told Morales during the meeting.

Rosado said multiple community members told him Morales has expressed interest in running for the seat. “We are paying you essentially a half million dollars a year to be campaigning on the job,” he said, adding that it puts him in an uncomfortable position.

Morales denied having immediate political plans. “I work one day at a time,” he said. “I have absolutely no plans right now to pursue that anytime soon.” He acknowledged that some community members have encouraged him to continue public service after retirement.

Commissioner Mike Gabela also weighed in, saying he needs assurance that the city has a full-time chief focused solely on public safety — not politics.

Morales defended his leadership, noting that crime in Miami has declined across the board during his tenure and that the department has made significant strides in public safety.

Rosado’s motion to remove the chief failed after it did not receive a second.

Morales said he remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition before his retirement. Meanwhile, the city has begun the process of searching for Miami’s next police chief.