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Hialeah has joined other cities in Florida by signing an agreement with immigration authorities, allowing its police officers to collaborate with federal agents in their campaign against illegal immigration.
Although cooperation with ICE is technically optional for police departments, many agencies in the southern part of the state have chosen to join due to uncertainty about the potential consequences of not participating.
On Tuesday, the Hialeah City Council supported the decision to join the 287-G program.
The city mayor, Esteban Bovo, attempted to soothe residents' concerns by stating that the signing of the agreement will not change daily life in Hialeah. "Many will want to instill fear to make everyone anxious, but tomorrow morning everything will remain the same in the city," he declared.
For his part, Luis Rodríguez, vice president of the Hialeah City Council, denied claims that the police will actively separate families. "The misinformation will be (...) that babies will cry while we tear their parents from their arms. None of that," he assured.
From now on, local police will have the authority to interrogate, arrest, and execute immigration orders.
The police chief of Hialeah, George Fuente, also supported the agreement. According to him, the measure will allow him to train a specified number of officers in immigration procedures and the proper application of protocols established by ICE. Additionally, the officers will have access to a database of undocumented individuals deemed "detainable" by the federal government.
However, immigrant rights advocates expressed their concern, fearing that the agreement could lead to the unjust persecution of immigrants in the city.
Hialeah thus joins other cities in Florida, such as Davie, Sunny Isles, Palm Beach Gardens, and Coral Gables, in signing this agreement. At the state level, Florida leads the list of jurisdictions that have adopted the measure, with the sheriff's departments from all 67 counties in the state participating in the program.
This agreement is part of the new state immigration laws enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis to strengthen mass deportations.
DeSantis approved regulations requiring state and local participation in the enforcement of federal immigration law, increased penalties for crimes committed by undocumented individuals, and established a new offense: entering Florida after arriving illegally in the country.
Frequently asked questions about the Hialeah agreement with ICE and its implications
What does the agreement between Hialeah and ICE imply?
The agreement allows Hialeah police officers to collaborate with ICE in the identification, arrest, and detention of undocumented immigrants. This is carried out under the 287-G program, which delegates immigration enforcement duties to local law enforcement. The measure aims to strengthen immigration law enforcement in Hialeah, a city with a high percentage of immigrants.
How does this agreement affect the residents of Hialeah?
The mayor Esteban Bovo has assured that the agreement will not change daily life in Hialeah and has urged residents not to be swayed by fear. However, immigrant rights advocates fear that the measure may lead to unjust persecutions and undermine trust in local law enforcement.
What is the 287-G program and how is it implemented in Florida?
Program 287-G allows local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, identifying, processing, and detaining individuals in an irregular situation. In Florida, all sheriff's departments in the 67 counties are part of the program, making the state a leader in enforcing strict immigration policies under Governor Ron DeSantis's administration.
What is Governor Ron DeSantis's stance on immigration in Florida?
Governor Ron DeSantis maintains a strong stance against illegal immigration, promoting state laws that reinforce deportations and cooperation with ICE. DeSantis has asserted that Florida will not be a "sanctuary state" and has implemented policies aligned with those of former President Donald Trump to bolster state security.
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