Miami police clarify their involvement in controversial agreement with ICE

The chief of Miami Police, Manny Morales, attempted to downplay the controversy that arose following the approval of a collaboration agreement between the police of that city and ICE, assuring that the police's involvement will be minimal.

Morales explained that only three of the 1,400 officers in the department will be trained to be part of the program.

"The officers who would be designated to operate in that group will have the same authority as any U.S. immigration officer once they are working under their supervision. When they are carrying out their other operations, they are a regular officer of the Police Department," Morales stated in comments to the local press.

The agreement was approved by the Miami City Commission with three votes in favor—Joe Carollo, Miguel Gabela, and Rafael Rosado—and two against, from Damián Pardo and Christine King.

The decision came after long hours of testimony from citizens and organizations concerned about the impact that such collaboration may have in a city where nearly 60% of the inhabitants were born abroad and 70% are of Hispanic origin.

Morales' argument: Limited function and low profile

According to Morales, the three selected agents will undergo 40 hours of training to integrate into an operational group together with ICE.

However, he made it clear that these agents will continue to perform their regular duties as police officers when not operating under the supervision of federal authorities.

Morales' explanation sought to alleviate the concerns of activists and community sectors who fear that the measure will foster distrust towards the police and increase the risk of indiscriminate deportations.

In Favor: Legal Compliance and Protection of State Funds

Among those who voted in favor, the main argument was to avoid economic sanctions for the city.

The commissioner Miguel Ángel Gabela defended the decision, stating that the agreement with ICE is necessary to comply with Florida state laws and to preserve between 20 and 30 million dollars in funds that he considers vital for the development of his district.

"It was signed to be within the law in the state of Florida, and that means they cannot take away the funds amounting to 20 or 30 million. I have fought hard to go to Tallahassee to secure those funds for projects in my district for roads," said Gabela.

Carollo and Rosado expressed their support for the agreement for the same economic reasons, emphasizing that the city cannot afford to lose state funding by failing to comply with existing laws.

Against: Social impact, fear, and risk of deportations

On the other hand, the commissioners who voted against the agreement warned about the social and moral risks involved.

Immigrant advocacy groups argue that community cohesion is being sacrificed for money, and that fear of the police could intensify among already vulnerable sectors.

Paul Namphy, an activist from Family Action Network Movement, voiced his alarm over the human consequences of the agreement:

"Florida benefits from the diversity and resilience of immigrant communities from Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond," said Namphy.

"There are the moral scars of dividing families and sending loved ones into danger in their home countries. These efforts to deport our communities will also destroy Florida's economy," he warned.

A city in tension

The controversy reveals a deep divide in Miami: between the need to follow state guidelines and secure economic resources, and the desire to protect immigrant communities that have historically been a fundamental part of the city’s social and economic fabric.

Although Morales attempted to calm tensions by emphasizing the limited and technical nature of police involvement, criticisms persist.

For many, the mere act of collaborating with ICE represents a betrayal of the values of a city built by immigrants.

Despite its significant immigrant population, several cities in South Florida have entered into collaboration agreements with ICE through the 287(g) program.

In Miami-Dade County, notable cities include Miami, Homestead, Hialeah, Doral, Sweetwater, Coral Gables, West Miami, Miami Springs, and Sunny Isles Beach.

In Broward County, Davie and Pompano Beach have joined; while in the archipelago of the Keys, part of Monroe County, Key West and Key Colony Beach have come on board.

Frequently Asked Questions about the collaboration agreement between the Miami Police and ICE