Miami Officials Avoid Confrontation with DeSantis on ICE Agreement

City leaders reluctant to rescind partnership despite moral concerns over immigration enforcement abuses

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Miami officials are hesitant to rescind the city's 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to concerns over potential legal and financial repercussions from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. While ending the agreement would be the morally sound move, given ICE's controversial practices under the Trump administration, Miami leaders are wary of provoking a confrontation with the governor that could lead to their removal from office.

Why it matters

Miami is a city with a large immigrant population, including many Haitians and Venezuelans at risk of losing their legal status. Ending the 287(g) agreement would be a symbolic stand against the state's encroachment on local control and the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. However, Miami officials are prioritizing pragmatic concerns over moral principles, fearing retaliation from the state.

The details

Miami's 287(g) agreement with ICE was approved by the city commission in a 3-2 vote last summer, with the two Democratic commissioners voting against it. The agreement allows a small number of Miami police officers to be trained by ICE to perform immigration enforcement duties. Mayor Eileen Higgins, who campaigned against the agreement, has said she would approve legislation to undo it, but has kicked the issue to the city commissioners, none of whom have stepped up to sponsor such a measure. Officials are concerned that revoking the agreement could lead to legal action, removal from office, and the loss of state and federal funding.

  • In June 2025, the Miami City Commission approved the 287(g) agreement with ICE in a 3-2 vote.
  • In December 2025, Eileen Higgins won the mayoral runoff election after campaigning against the city's involvement with ICE.

The players

Eileen Higgins

The mayor of Miami who campaigned against the city's 287(g) agreement with ICE and has said she would approve legislation to undo the agreement, but has deferred the issue to the city commissioners.

Damian Pardo

A Miami city commissioner who voted against the 287(g) agreement with ICE.

Christine King

A Miami city commissioner who voted against the 287(g) agreement with ICE.

Joe Carollo

A former Miami city commissioner who voted in favor of the 287(g) agreement with ICE, but has since left office.

Rolando Escalona

The replacement for former Commissioner Joe Carollo, who has said he would consider cancelling the 287(g) agreement if another commissioner proposed it.

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What they’re saying

“They have to take the initiative. They voted for it. They have to undo it.”

— Eileen Higgins, Mayor of Miami (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The Miami City Commission will need to decide whether to take action to rescind the 287(g) agreement with ICE, despite the potential legal and financial risks of doing so.

The takeaway

Miami's reluctance to challenge the state's encroachment on local control and the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics highlights the difficult balance between practical and moral considerations for city leaders. This case underscores the need for greater legal clarity and protection for local governments seeking to distance themselves from controversial federal immigration policies.