The municipal commissioner of Miami, Florida voted 3-2 on Tuesday to allow police to work with immigration and customs enforcement.
The city has a 287 (g) partnership with ICE, and each city uses different methods to assist federal law enforcement. This is in stark contrast to some governments across the United States, especially among major cities, which do not allow local or state authorities to help enforce immigration laws.
“We value partnerships with state and local law enforcement, and the success of the 287(g) program allows the power multiplier to enforce immigration laws,” an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. “This whole government approach allows law enforcement partners to protect cities across the country from public safety and national security threats, and we encourage others across the country to join.”
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In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order requiring state-level law enforcement to establish a deal with the ICE to assist the Trump administration’s deportation efforts.
“Florida is working as a role model for states to combat illegal immigration and work with the Trump administration to restore the rule of law,” he said. DeSantis said at the time. “By allowing ICE to train and approve our state agents and law enforcement officers, Florida will now have more law enforcement representatives to assist federal partners. This means deportation can be conducted more efficiently and make our communities safer because illegal foreigners are removed from office.”
However, there are agreements against entering into groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Florida Immigration Union.
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“It was a shameful day for Miami,” said Dariel Gomez, statewide organizer of the Florida ACLU, in a press release. “Through the vote, the commissioners chose fear, fear the facts, and disagree with solidarity. The agreement will not make us safer – it will only spread fear and quarantine the people who make our city strong.”
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“287(g) does not belong to any city, but especially in Miami, a place made by immigrants, built by immigrants, driven by immigrants,” Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigration Alliance, said in a statement. “More than half of our residents are foreign-born. The commissioners who voted for this ruthless plan have appointed them as protected communities, turning our diversity into a goal.”
But the White House told Fox News that the city’s decision was ultimately the right move.
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“President Trump’s commitment to deport illegal foreigners is key to his agenda to re-ensure the security of the United States. The administration has always appreciated working with state and local officials to get dangerous criminals out of the streets and keep the American people safe,” said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.
In April, a massive ice operation in collaboration with Florida authorities led to the arrest of 1,120 illegal immigrants, which the agency said 63% of them had “existing crimes or convictions” and many were allegedly suspected of gang affiliation.
