MIAMI – A packed crowd gathered at Miami City Hall on Tuesday as city commissioners considered whether to sign onto a controversial immigration enforcement agreement known as 287(g), which allows local law enforcement agencies to collaborate directly with federal immigration agents.
The proposed agreement has sparked widespread opposition, drawing dozens of community members to speak out during public comment. The overwhelming majority urged the commission to reject the measure.
“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.”
“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,”
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.
While the law requires that the memorandum of agreement be sent to local police departments, it remains unclear whether cities are required to participate. That uncertainty has prompted South Miami officials to seek a court ruling to determine whether the agreement is mandatory or optional.
Despite the ongoing legal questions, Miami’s five commissioners are expected to vote on the agreement later Tuesday.
