Miami Joins Florida Cities in Controversial ICE 287(g) Agreement

Key Takeaways

• Miami approved a Section 287(g) ICE agreement on June 17, 2025, enabling limited local immigration enforcement.
• Only about three Miami Police officers will receive ICE training to enforce federal immigration laws under supervision.
• Miami risks losing $20 million annually in state funds if it does not comply with the ICE agreement.

On June 17, 2025, the City of Miami Commission made a landmark decision that will affect thousands of residents, law enforcement practices, and the city’s relationship with both state and federal authorities. In a close 3-2 vote, Miami became the latest major city in Florida to approve an ICE agreement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This move allows selected Miami Police Department (MPD) officers to work directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, giving them the power to enforce certain federal immigration laws while carrying out their regular police duties.

This decision follows months of heated public debate, protests, and lobbying from both supporters and opponents. With Miami’s population being over 70% Latino or Hispanic and more than half of its residents born outside the United States 🇺🇸, the new policy has sparked strong emotions and concerns about its impact on the city’s diverse communities.

What Is the Section 287(g) Agreement?

Section 287(g) is a part of the Immigration and Nationality Act passed in 1996. It allows local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE so that certain officers can be trained and authorized to enforce federal immigration laws. There are different models of this agreement, but Miami has chosen the Task Force Model. This means that only a small group of specially trained officers will have these powers, and they will use them mainly during specific police duties, such as DUI checkpoints or when working with ICE-led task forces.

For more details about the 287(g) program, you can visit the official ICE 287(g) Program Overview.

How Will the Agreement Work in Miami?

The agreement takes effect immediately after approval by both parties. Here’s how the process will unfold:

• Selection of Officers: MPD will choose about three officers to participate in the program. This is a very small number compared to the entire police force.
• Training: These officers must complete special training provided by ICE. The training covers federal immigration law, procedures, and how to use their new authority. ICE will pay for the officers’ travel, housing, daily expenses, and transportation during training.
• Deployment: After passing the required exams, the trained officers will be able to enforce certain immigration laws, but only while working on ICE-led operations or during specific police duties.
• Oversight: The officers will work under the supervision of both the Miami Police Department and ICE.
• Duration: The agreement will stay in place until either Miami or ICE decides to end or suspend it.

Why Did Miami Approve the ICE Agreement?

The decision to join the Section 287(g) program was not made lightly. The city commission’s 3-2 vote came after more than 100 residents spoke at the meeting, with most expressing strong opposition. The main reasons given by those who voted in favor included:

• Compliance with State Law: Florida’s state government, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, has strongly encouraged all cities with 25 or more police officers to enter into 287(g) agreements. The governor has even threatened to suspend law enforcement officials who do not cooperate.
• Financial Pressure: Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado explained that the city risks losing about $20 million in annual funding, and possibly $8 million more immediately, if it does not comply with state expectations. He said, “I feel comfortable with the fact that it is much more limited in scope and scale than I think has been believed to be the case. I also take very seriously the fact that it seems like on an annual basis, we are at risk of losing approximately $20 million and perhaps as much as eight more immediately at the state level.”
• Limited Scope: Supporters, including Police Chief Manuel Morales, stressed that only a handful of officers would participate and that the program would not affect the entire department.

Who Opposed the Agreement and Why?

Commissioners Christine King and Damian Pardo voted against the agreement. Their main concerns were:

• Impact on Immigrant Communities: Miami is a city built by immigrants. Commissioner Pardo said, “Miami is a city made up of immigrants. This is not our brand.” Many fear the agreement will make immigrants less likely to trust or cooperate with police, even if they are victims or witnesses of crime.
• Erosion of Trust: Opponents argue that giving local police immigration enforcement powers will increase fear and anxiety in immigrant neighborhoods. This could lead to fewer people reporting crimes or seeking help.
• Risk of Racial Profiling and Wrongful Detention: Civil rights groups, such as the ACLU Florida and the Florida Immigrant Coalition, warn that the agreement could lead to people being stopped or detained based on their appearance or language, rather than any actual wrongdoing.
• Legal and Financial Risks: Some believe the agreement could open the city to lawsuits and may not be the best use of public funds.

What Does This Mean for Miami’s Immigrant Communities?

For many immigrants in Miami, the new ICE agreement brings uncertainty and fear. Critics say that even though only a few officers will have the new powers, the policy could make people afraid to interact with the police at all. This is especially concerning in a city where more than half the population was born outside the United States 🇺🇸.

Community leaders and advocacy groups worry about:

• Family Separation: There is a fear that minor encounters with police could lead to deportation proceedings, splitting up families.
• Mistrust of Police: If people believe that police are working with ICE, they may not report crimes, making neighborhoods less safe for everyone.
• Increased Anxiety: Many residents already live with the stress of possible immigration enforcement. This agreement could make daily life even more difficult.

How Will Law Enforcement Change?

According to Police Chief Manuel Morales, the agreement puts the department in a “Catch 22” situation. Florida state law (statute 908) requires certain actions that are only possible under a 287(g) agreement. If the city does not comply, it could face loss of funding or political consequences.

However, the chief and supporters emphasize that:

• Only about three officers will be involved.
• The program is not department-wide.
• Officers will act under strict supervision.
• The main goal is to comply with state law and avoid financial penalties.

What Are the Financial Implications?

The financial stakes are high. Commissioner Rosado and others pointed out that Miami could lose up to $20 million each year in state funding if it does not participate in the ICE agreement. There is also a risk of losing an additional $8 million immediately. For a city with many needs and a large population, this could mean cuts to important services.

Supporters argue that the agreement is a necessary step to protect the city’s budget. Opponents, however, question whether the potential loss of trust and safety in immigrant communities is worth the money.

What Are the Legal and Political Risks?

The legal landscape is complicated. While Florida law does not directly require cities to enter 287(g) agreements, it sets requirements that many officials believe can only be met through such partnerships. Other cities, like South Miami, have sued the state over similar rules, arguing that they are unconstitutional or unfair.

Governor DeSantis has made it clear that he expects all large police departments in Florida to join the program. He has threatened to suspend officials who do not comply. This puts local leaders in a difficult position, caught between state demands and the wishes of their own communities.

How Does Miami Compare to Other Cities?

Miami is not alone in joining the 287(g) program. Over 100 localities in Florida have entered similar agreements in recent years. Cities like Doral, Coral Gables, and Homestead have already signed on. This reflects a broader trend in Florida and across the United States 🇺🇸, where state and federal officials are pushing for more cooperation between local police and immigration authorities.

However, Miami’s decision is especially significant because of its size, diversity, and history of resisting such agreements in the past. The city’s large immigrant population and international reputation make this a closely watched development.

What Happens Next?

The agreement is now in effect, but several steps remain before it is fully operational:

1. Officer Selection: MPD will choose the three officers who will participate.
2. Training: These officers must complete ICE training and pass exams.
3. Deployment: Once trained, the officers will begin working with ICE on specific tasks.
4. Oversight and Review: Both the police department and ICE will supervise the officers’ work.
5. Possible Legal Challenges: Lawsuits, like the one from South Miami, could affect the future of the agreement.

Community groups are expected to continue protesting and advocating for changes. The city commission may revisit the issue if public pressure remains high or if legal challenges succeed.

Multiple Perspectives: What Are Stakeholders Saying?

Here’s a summary of the main positions:

• City Commissioners (Yes): They believe the agreement is needed to follow state law, avoid losing money, and keep the program limited in scope.
• City Commissioners (No): They worry about harm to immigrants, loss of trust, and negative effects on the city’s image and economy.
• Police Chief: He sees the situation as a legal dilemma, with risks no matter what the city does.
• Governor DeSantis: He strongly supports the agreement and has threatened to punish officials who do not comply.
• Community and Advocacy Groups: They fear increased mistrust, racial profiling, family separation, and legal problems.
• ICE: The agency views the agreement as a way to increase its enforcement capacity.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The Section 287(g) program was created in 1996 to let local police help enforce federal immigration laws. For many years, Miami resisted joining, even as other Florida cities signed on. But in recent years, pressure from the state government and the threat of losing funding have changed the political landscape.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Miami’s decision reflects a growing trend in Florida, where state leaders are pushing for more local-federal cooperation on immigration enforcement. This has led to a patchwork of policies across the state, with some cities embracing the program and others fighting it in court.

What Should Residents Do Now?

If you live in Miami and have questions or concerns about the new ICE agreement, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Miami Police Department and the City of Miami’s official website.
• Know Your Rights: Many advocacy groups, such as the ACLU Florida and the Florida Immigrant Coalition, offer resources and legal help for immigrants.
• Contact Officials: You can reach out to city commissioners or attend public meetings to share your views.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you are worried about how the agreement might affect you or your family, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer.

For more information about the 287(g) program and how it works, visit the ICE 287(g) Program Overview.

Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads

Miami’s decision to join the ICE agreement under Section 287(g) is a turning point for the city. Supporters say it is necessary to comply with state law and protect city finances, while opponents warn of harm to immigrant communities and the city’s reputation. The policy will be closely watched in the months ahead, as Miami finalizes officer training, faces possible legal challenges, and responds to ongoing community concerns.

The debate over the ICE agreement is far from over. As Miami moves forward, the city will need to balance legal requirements, financial pressures, and the needs of its diverse residents. The outcome will shape not only law enforcement practices but also the city’s identity as a welcoming place for people from around the world.

Learn Today

Section 287(g) → A section of the 1996 Immigration and Nationality Act allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration and customs laws.
Task Force Model → A 287(g) model where a small group of trained officers enforce immigration laws during specific duties.
Deportation → The legal process of removing a non-citizen from the United States for violating immigration laws.
Racial profiling → Targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

This Article in a Nutshell

Miami’s June 2025 approval of the Section 287(g) ICE agreement enables select police officers to enforce immigration laws, balancing funding pressures and immigrant community concerns amid ongoing debate.
— By VisaVerge.com