Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins declares possible repeal of 287(g) agreement with ICE signed in June 2025 allowing local police to perform federal immigration control functions. City commissioners face community pressure after mass protests opposing collaboration feared by immigrants in diverse city.
Higgins supports vetoing repeal legislation, although the ball remains in the commissioners’ court, who are reluctant to face political consequences at the state level.
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Agreement 287(g) in Miami
Miami Commission votes 3-2 in June 2025 to sign 287(g), training local officers to make ICE immigration arrests despite protests from dozens of immigrant advocates. An agreement transforms municipal police officers into federal agents, identifying undocumented immigrants under direct supervision of ICE.
Protesters warn of erosion of trust in police in Latino neighbourhoods of Little Havana and Coconut Grove. Signing divided along party lines, Republicans Rosado, Gabela, Carollo favour, Democrats King, Pardo reject controversial collaboration. Tensions escalate after killings by ICE agents in Minneapolis spark national outrage.
New Higgins Commission Composition
Democratic Mayor Higgins defeats Trump candidate in December, begins term by supporting repeal of 287(g) with favourable veto of commission legislation. Three of five current commissioners oppose the agreement, though none initiate vote for fear of Florida fiscal reprisals.
Key West reverses repeal in the face of threats from the attorney general, losing local autonomy after immediate state pressure. Cuban exile Commissioner Escalona considers cancellation, requesting an analysis of legal risks to federal funds. Higgins declares that no additional police officers will be trained beyond the initial three agents.
Commissioner Positions on Electoral Changes
Carollo replaced by Cuban Republican Escalona, who supports strong borders but criticises 287(g) citing the detention of a 5-year-old boy with a Spider-Man backpack. Pardo voted against the original signing, questioning the clear legal path to revocation and fearing financial risks for the city. King remains silent while Gabela maintains her original support, understanding legal immigrants’ Cuban heart.
Rosado ignores Herald requests, positioning current municipal commissioner’s collective indecision. Municipal Attorney Wysong warns of millions in lost federal and state funds.
- Signature: June 2025 vote 3-2 Republicans in favour Democrats against
- Mayor: Eileen Higgins supports veto revocation without presenting initiative
- Commissioners: 3/5 oppose without voting fear of reprisals Key West precedent
- ICE Miami: 3 police officers trained without deportation operations Morales
- Risks: Federal state funds dismissal of Florida officials
Context Florida Sanctuary Laws ICE
Florida imposes sanctions on sanctuary cities prohibiting collaboration with ICE under pressure from DeSantis Uthmeier, the aggressive state attorney general. South Miami lawsuit clarifies that inaction does not equate to opposition, confirming voluntary participation in 287(g) at the state level.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Cordero-Stutz Trump backs 334 trained agents with no active deportation operations declared. Administrator Reyes appointed Higgins evaluates agreement generating uncertainty about actual police implementation in Miami.
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Haitian TPS cancelled, DHS suspended judicially affects thousands in South Florida. Miami faces immigration policy crossroads 287(g) between community, state, and federal pressure.
