Miami weighs ICE partnership as advocacy groups push back
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The City of Miami is expected to decide Tuesday whether to allow its police department to partner with federal immigration authorities and empower them to enforce federal immigration laws.
- It would be the latest in a growing list of municipalities in the county to do so, following Doral, Miami Springs, Coral Gables, Homestead and others.
Why it matters: The resolution could have major implications in a city whose population is more than 70% Latino or Hispanic, with more than half of residents being foreign-born, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
- Critics say — and research supports — that partnerships between local police agencies and federal immigration enforcement can erode trust between police and immigrant communities.
The other side: Officials have said that municipalities are required to follow state and federal laws and that the goal isn't to target residents based on ethnicity.
The big picture: The vote comes amid growing tensions in Miami regarding President Trump's immigration crackdown.
- Earlier this month, state Sen. Ileana Garcia, a Miami Republican and co-founder of the group Latinas for Trump, called Trump's mass-deportation campaign "inhumane," the Miami Herald reported.
Driving the news: The city's resolution, proposed by the police department, would authorize the city attorney to enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- This is the second time the city's agenda includes the proposal. In April, commissioners deferred the item.
Between the lines: Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it clear he wants all agencies with 25 or more officers to partner with the federal program and has asked the Legislature to empower him to suspend law enforcement officials who don't cooperate.
The latest: On Saturday, thousands gathered at the Torch of Freedom in downtown Miami for the "No Kings" protest, marching, holding signs and chanting slogans, including "No hate, no fear — immigrants are welcome here," multiple outlets reported.
- A group of about 250 protesters gathered at Pride Park in Miami Beach.
What's next: Local organizations — including ACLU Florida, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, and the Miami Workers Center, among others — are calling on residents to oppose the agreement and attend Tuesday's meeting.
- Immigrant rights groups and community organizations say the deal would use city resources to increase racial profiling and promote fear.