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The election of Eileen Higgins as the new mayor of Miami has not only marked a milestone in local political history, but it also indicates a profound shift in the direction of the city.
Her arrival in office marks the end of an era dominated by conservative leadership and the beginning of a management focused on administrative efficiency, social justice, and, above all, the protection of the immigrant community.
With 59% of the votes in the runoff against the Republican Emilio González, Higgins became the first woman, the first Democrat in nearly three decades, and the first non-Hispanic person to hold the mayor's office since the 1990s.
His victory, driven by the immigrant vote and disillusionment with the policies of figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, has been described as historic.
A clear perspective on immigration: "The city should never have signed that agreement."
One of the most compelling focal points of Eileen Higgins' discourse has been her stance on immigration.
In a city where approximately 70% of the residents are Hispanic or Latino, immigration policy is not an external issue, but a daily concern for thousands of families.
During his campaign and after his victory, Higgins openly criticized the 287(g) agreement, previously signed between the city of Miami and federal immigration authorities, which allowed local police to act as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents.
"The city should never have signed that agreement," stated the new mayor in a recent interview with the network Telemundo.
“There is no reason for our police department in the city of Miami to do the work of the federal immigration authorities,” he added.
These statements represent a clear break from the approach of their predecessors and align with their promise to build an inclusive and protective city, where immigrants do not live in fear of being arbitrarily detained or deported for minor administrative issues.
During his campaign, Higgins also denounced the establishment of the detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz, located in the Everglades, which he described as a place where “human rights violations” have occurred.
His message, focused on the dignity of migrants, resonated particularly in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by immigrants, such as Little Haiti, Doral, Westchester, and areas of Hialeah.
Housing and efficiency: a city that works
In addition to the immigration issue, Higgins has brought to the forefront one of the most urgent crises facing Miami: the lack of affordable housing. During her speech after being elected, she criticized the slow bureaucracy and the lack of planning.
"Currently, it takes two years to obtain the permits to build, let’s say, one hundred affordable housing units or for workers. It could take two years less to construct that project. Bureaucracy should not take longer than the construction," he stated.
His proposal includes identifying public lands that can be used for affordable housing projects and ensuring that urban planning policies address the needs of workers, not just the interests of large developers.
Higgins also aims for a more efficient city hall, where residents are treated as clients deserving of quality services.
"The era of commissioners shouting and threatening each other with blows is going to end", he warned, referring to the climate of confrontation that has characterized municipal politics in recent years.
A mayor with a unique profile: Engineer, diplomat, and manager
Born in Ohio, raised in Albuquerque, and settled in Miami for years, Eileen Higgins does not fit the traditional profile of a local politician.
She has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from Cornell.
Her career has been defined by international development, bilateral cooperation, and diplomacy: she was a civil servant at the State Department and headed the Peace Corps office in Belize.
These experiences shaped a vision of public management based on urban planning, efficiency, and human development, which are the pillars of their electoral proposal.
In his own words: "It is a great responsibility. I know that people have high expectations for the city of Miami, and I promise to work hard every day."
Before arriving at the mayor's office, Higgins served as commissioner for the district that includes Little Havana, one of the strongholds of the conservative Cuban-American vote.
His choice there was initially seen as a rarity, but over time he established himself as a relatable figure, respectful of local traditions and committed to the needs of residents, regardless of their immigration status.
Many in the community know her as “La Gringa”, a nickname that, rather than being derogatory, reflects the affection and familiarity she has fostered in an environment historically closed to candidates like her.
A symbol of change in a crucial city
Higgins' election comes at a time of national tension regarding the direction of immigration policies and the rise of authoritarianism in certain sectors.
His victory adds to a series of Democratic wins in various states across the country and strengthens the idea that the Hispanic vote is not monolithic, that it can change based on the actual interests of the communities rather than a inherited political identity.
At 61 years old, Eileen Higgins takes on the role with a platform that combines ethical strength, technical ability, and social sensitivity.
He may not have extensive executive powers—the role of the mayor in Miami is more symbolic than decisive in some aspects—but his leadership has already reconfigured the local political landscape.
She expressed it clearly herself: “Miami has chosen a new direction. Competition instead of chaos. Results instead of excuses. A city that works for everyone.”
His mandate has just begun, but Higgins' emergence on the political scene already marks a significant turning point for Miami.
The challenge now will be to turn that promise of inclusion, dignity, and efficiency into a tangible reality for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants and workers who have chosen it as their voice and advocate.
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