Miami approves partnership with ICE to aid immigration enforcement, sparking praise from Trump administration and local controversy.

City Commission Approves ICE Agreement

In a narrow 3-2 vote on Tuesday, Miami city commissioners approved a formal partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing city police officers to assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws. The move establishes a 287(g) agreement, which empowers local law enforcement to work directly with ICE on deportation operations and related federal efforts.

The decision marks a sharp departure from policies in other major cities across the United States, where local authorities are often prohibited from helping to enforce federal immigration law. ICE praised Miami’s decision, describing the 287(g) program as a “force multiplier” that enables local and federal cooperation to address public safety and national security threats. “This whole-of-government approach enables law enforcement partners to protect cities across the nation, and we encourage others across the country to join,” an ICE spokesperson said.

State Leaders and White House Hail Move

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who earlier issued an executive order encouraging state agencies to form ICE agreements, celebrated Miami’s action as a model for the rest of the country. “Florida is setting the example for states in combating illegal immigration and working with the Trump Administration to restore the rule of law,” DeSantis said, emphasizing that the agreement will help carry out deportations more efficiently and keep communities safer.

The White House echoed this sentiment, with spokeswoman Abigail Jackson saying, “President Trump’s promise to deport illegal aliens is a key plank of his agenda to Make America Safe Again. The Administration is always grateful to work with state and local officials to get dangerous criminals off the streets and keep the American people safe.”

ICE highlighted the results of a recent April operation, conducted in collaboration with Florida authorities, which led to the arrest of 1,120 individuals, 63% of whom had existing criminal arrests or convictions, and many with alleged gang ties.

Community and Civil Rights Groups Express Alarm

Despite the praise from state and federal leaders, Miami’s ICE agreement has faced significant backlash from civil rights groups and immigrant advocates. Dariel Gomez of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida called the decision “shameful,” arguing that the commission chose “fear over facts, and division over unity.” Gomez and others contend that the agreement will not improve safety, but will instead create fear and isolate immigrant residents.

Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, also voiced strong opposition: “287(g) doesn’t belong in any city, but especially not in Miami – a place shaped by immigrants, built by immigrants, and powered by immigrants. More than half of our residents are foreign-born.” Petit said the commission’s action “turns our diversity into a target” and fails the community it was elected to serve.

The debate over Miami’s agreement with ICE highlights the broader, often contentious, national discussion over local cooperation in federal immigration enforcement. As the policy is implemented, city leaders and residents will confront both practical and ethical questions about its long-term effects on Miami’s safety and social cohesion.