A decision is anticipated as Doral officials prepare to vote on a contentious partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. This initiative empowers local law enforcement to assist in federal immigration enforcement tasks, including questioning, detaining, and processing individuals suspected of residing in the country illegally. The proposal has been included in the agenda for a city council meeting that earlier recessed and is set to reconvene later in the evening.
The council postponed the discussion to 6 p.m. to honor memorial services for the late Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes. The 287(g) program further allows trained officers access to federal immigration databases, which list undocumented individuals potentially subject to detention. In South Florida, several agencies, such as the Miami-Dade and Broward County sheriff’s offices, already participate in this program.
Community members have expressed significant opposition to the potential adoption of the program in Doral. Concerns have been raised about the program’s impact on families with mixed immigration status, including those currently protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, or asylum applications. There is fear that these protections could be jeopardized due to current administrative challenges.
The city council is set to resume its meeting at 6 p.m., at which time a vote on the proposal is expected to take place.
The Societal Shift
The potential adoption of the 287(g) program in Doral carries implications for the community, especially affecting families with mixed immigration statuses. For residents, this could mean increased fear and anxiety, impacting daily life and contributing to a sense of instability among those who feel their status might be at risk.
Local businesses could also experience changes, as anxiety over immigration status may affect workforce stability and consumer confidence. Additionally, community relations may be strained, with potential impacts on trust in local law enforcement among immigrant communities. The decision on this measure could resonate beyond Doral, influencing similar discussions in other South Florida cities.