Miami Mayor Pressed to End ICE Deal Allowing Local Police to Detain Migrants

Miami-Dade Mayor Eileen Higgins is under intense pressure to terminate a collaboration agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The pact, approved by the City Commission in June 2025, permits local police officers to perform certain tasks related to federal immigration law enforcement. The Florida Immigrant Coalition is spearheading a campaign against the agreement, utilizing billboards and Spanish-language radio advertisements to criticize Higgins. The ads accuse the mayor of breaking campaign promises to end the 287(g) agreement, which they argue forces law-abiding immigrants to live in fear. "During your campaign, Higgins promised time and again to end the 287(g) agreement so that immigrants who respect the law would not have to live in fear. But after taking office, the mayor still refuses to act," the radio ad states. Political pressure has also mounted, with Democratic State Representative Angie Nixon urging Higgins and the City Commission to cancel the accord. Nixon stated at a press conference, "We must pay attention, because there are some Democrats who need to have the political courage to speak up and do the right thing." Higgins herself had previously criticized the ICE agreement during her election campaign, questioning the necessity of Miami police assuming federal duties. Post-election, she indicated a desire to minimize local officers' involvement in the program. However, Higgins has cited institutional obstacles, noting that the mayor lacks a vote on the City Commission, which holds the authority to rescind the agreement. In a statement, Higgins said, "Upon taking office, I made it clear to the community that we must treat all residents with humanity and dignity, which is why I said the city should review the 287(g) agreement. Since then, the commission held a meeting at the end of June, and I expect to receive a legislative proposal soon so I can sign it quickly." The agreement allows for the identification and processing of individuals subject to immigration proceedings while in local custody.

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During your campaign, Higgins promised time and again to end the 287(g) agreement so that immigrants who respect the law would not have to live in fear. But after taking office, the mayor still refuses to act.