The city of Miami, known for having the largest proportion of foreign population in the United States, approved Tuesday a controversial agreement that will allow its Police Department to collaborate directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and transfer undocumented immigrants.
With a 3-2 split vote, the City Commission endorsed the so-called 287(g) agreement, a measure that has generated strong opposition among activists, human rights advocates and Hispanic residents who fear an intensification of immigration raids.
What does the 287(g) agreement mean?
This agreement authorizes local police to act as federal immigration agents, detaining individuals suspected of being in an irregular situation to be turned over to ICE.
Although presented as a “public safety” tool, several studies have pointed out that this type of agreement increases racial discrimination and fear in immigrant communities.
According to official figures, Miami-Dade is the only county in the country where more than 50% of the population is foreign.
While 70% of its residents identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino.
Activists such as Dariel Gómez of the ACLU warn that these policies damage trust between communities and local police.
“Miami was built by immigrants. Turning the police into an arm of ICE is dangerous and destructive,” said Gomez in front of City Hall.
Demonstrations and legal concerns
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Dozens of demonstrators protested before and during the vote, displaying signs in Spanish and English with messages such as “The people united will defend migrant families” and “Stop the inhumane detentions”.
Attorney Will Mann, of the Community Justice Project, asserted that “this agreement is non-binding and puts civil rights at risk”.
It exposes immigrants to being detained based on their appearance or accent, without a clear legal procedure.
Intensified cooperation with ICE
This movement in Miami is a reflection of a stricter immigration policy at the state level.
Governor Ron DeSantis has pushed for legislation requiring all 67 Florida counties to cooperate with ICE.
Florida is even the first state with a permanent ICE liaison, as announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Turning the police into an arm of ICE is dangerous and destructive
In addition, Miami-Dade County will decide on a separate agreement with ICE on June 26.
This would allow the federal agency to pay $50 for each migrant held for 48 hours in local jails, with broad access to detainees and no obligation to share information with legal advocates.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
