Introduction to the Partnership
The City of Homestead voted Wednesday to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Under the agreement, local police officers will be able to enforce certain federal immigration laws through a federal program known as 287(g).
Background and Context
Homestead joins other cities in Miami-Dade County with large Hispanic populations in voting to sign the agreement, including Coral Gables, Hialeah, West Miami, Miami Springs and most recently, Doral.
Purpose and Scope of the Agreement
"This MOA (memorandum of agreement) provides the Homestead Police Department with limited authority to address specific criminal activities involving individuals who are unlawfully present and committing crimes in our community," Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp said in a statement. "As with our MOAs with other federal agencies, this agreement does not alter the department’s core mission or values but enhances our capability to respond swiftly in certain cases. It is not a broad or general immigration enforcement tool — it is narrowly tailored to allow for cooperation in targeted instances involving public safety threats."
Similar Decisions in Other Cities
In Doral, the council voted unanimously on Wednesday to partner with ICE. Mayor Christi Fraga said the decision was morally difficult, but in the end, the council said it voted to follow the law.
“This is a tough resolution, because it is an obligation we have to comply with the law. We did not make the law, but we do have an obligation to comply,” Fraga said.
Community Reaction
Protests have been held in Homestead in the past against the cooperation, which is state and federally mandated, including in early February outside city hall.
Some business owners said then that the threat of ICE raids hurts their bottom line because too many families are afraid to leave their homes.
“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!” protestors, draped in mostly Mexican and Salvadoran flags, chanted.
Conclusion
The partnership between Homestead and ICE is part of a larger trend in Miami-Dade County, with several cities voting to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. While the decision has been met with protests and concerns from the community, city officials argue that it is necessary to comply with the law and ensure public safety.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the partnership between Homestead and ICE?
A: The partnership allows local police officers to enforce certain federal immigration laws through the 287(g) program, specifically targeting individuals who are unlawfully present and committing crimes. - Q: Which other cities in Miami-Dade County have partnered with ICE?
A: Coral Gables, Hialeah, West Miami, Miami Springs, and Doral have all voted to partner with ICE. - Q: How have community members reacted to the partnership?
A: Protests have been held in Homestead, with concerns that the partnership will hurt local businesses and create fear among immigrant families. - Q: What is the 287(g) program?
A: The 287(g) program is a federal program that allows local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE in enforcing federal immigration laws.
