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The city of Doral, Florida, recognized as a significant hub for Venezuelan immigrants, is set to establish a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE. This agreement will enable local law enforcement to participate in certain immigration enforcement activities.
The Doral City Council is anticipated to approve this collaboration through the 287(g) program during a meeting on Wednesday. This program would empower Doral police officers to engage in limited immigration enforcement actions including detentions, questioning, and processing of individuals suspected of violating federal immigration regulations, according to a report from the Miami Herald.
This announcement arrives as President Donald Trump ramps up his efforts to increase deportations nationwide, actively seeking cooperation from local law enforcement agencies to assist federal immigration efforts. Such moves have sparked conversations on how communities engage with immigration policies and enforcement.
Surprising Implications for Doral
The potential inclusion of Doral in this initiative raises eyebrows, considering the city is home to one of the largest populations of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States. Concerns linger within the community regarding issues such as racial profiling. City officials have sought to reassure residents, stressing that the partnership will center around legal enforcement practices.
“Our intention isn’t to detain individuals based solely on their appearance,” affirmed Council Member Rafael Pineyro in a statement to the Miami Herald. “While we are obliged to adhere to federal and state laws, our primary focus remains on lawful enforcement, not profiling.”
Understanding the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program has seen significant utilization across various states since Trump’s presidency began, facilitating cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. This agreement permits some officers to partake in a 40-hour training provided by ICE, ensuring that local agencies keep consistent communications with ICE during their immigration enforcement activities.
One critical aspect of the program revolves around identifying and managing unauthorized immigrants who are already in custody and meet deportation criteria. Additionally, local law enforcement may support ICE’s deportation missions in the field.
Governor’s Support for Local Collaboration
Doral’s move to engage in this program aligns with directives from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who advocates for local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. Florida law stipulates that county jail enforcement agencies must participate in 287(g) programs, shaping how local communities approach immigration enforcement.
Community Activism and Opposition
Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, articulated these sentiments, stating, “By transforming local law enforcement into enforcement arms of the Department of Homeland Security, Doral’s elected officials have breached the trust of our city’s large Venezuelan population. The community anticipates protection, not persecution.”
The potential partnership has stirred dialogue about the broader impacts of immigration policies and their intersection with local law enforcement practices, especially in cities with significant immigrant populations.
