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The Hialeah City Council, Miami-Dade County, will present a resolution this Tuesday that will empower Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. to sign an agreement with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, granting local police the authority to question, arrest, and enforce immigration orders.
According to El Nuevo Herald, officials will be authorized to take such actions against those who allegedly violate the law, in a context of pressure on local resources, given the increasing flow of immigrants in a city where three-quarters of its 221,000 residents were born abroad.
And indeed, Hialeah, historically known for hosting Cuban exiles, is now facing a massive influx of new immigrants from the island as well as other parts of Latin America and the world.
The mayor Bovo, who will soon leave his position to take on lobbying duties in Washington D.C., has noted that in the last two years up to 80,000 Cubans have arrived, while the total migration flow from that country exceeds 420,000, comparing it to a “Mariel on steroids.”
According to the mentioned source, this collaboration falls under the policy of the administration Donald Trump, which encourages the involvement of local agencies in the enforcement of immigration law. In Florida, several police departments already have similar agreements, and Hialeah is looking to join this trend to enhance local security.
However, the measure has generated controversy: immigrant rights advocates warn that these associations may erode trust in the police, making it harder for vulnerable communities to report crimes.
With this possible resolution, Hialeah positions itself at the forefront of implementing strict immigration policies, in a context where the city has previously rejected "open border policies" and adopted measures aligned with the federal administration.
It is worth noting that the 287(g) program, announced by Governor Ron DeSantis, allows local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, identifying, processing, and detaining individuals in an irregular immigration status.
Just a few days ago, it was announced that prisons in Miami-Dade County could soon begin issuing deportation orders to inmates under an agreement based on Florida state law.
The Miami-Dade Commission approved the resolution that allows for greater collaboration between local authorities and ICE agents. This measure also strengthens cooperation in the detention and deportation of immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Governor DeSantis and his stance against illegal immigration in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis has maintained his firm stance against illegal immigration, a point he reaffirmed last week during his annual State of Florida address given from the House of Representatives at the state capitol in Tallahassee.
In his address, DeSantis made it clear that Florida will continue to be a state with strict immigration policies, and that it will not provide shelter to undocumented immigrants.
Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has strengthened its efforts in the area of immigration following the agreement promoted by DeSantis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hialeah Police's Collaboration with ICE
What is the 287(g) program and how does it affect Hialeah?
The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, identifying, processing, and detaining individuals in irregular situations. In Hialeah, this means that local police will be able to collaborate directly with ICE in the enforcement of immigration laws, which could impact the city's immigrant community.
Why is Hialeah seeking an agreement with ICE?
Hialeah seeks an agreement with ICE as part of a policy to strengthen local security due to the increasing flow of immigrants. Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. has pointed to a significant influx of immigrants, especially Cubans, as a factor that strains local resources and justifies this measure.
What are the criticisms of the agreement between the Hialeah police and ICE?
Critics of the agreement highlight that it may erode trust between the immigrant community and the police, making it harder to report crimes. Immigrant rights advocates warn that these partnerships could foster fear and racial discrimination.
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