Miami Commissioner Calls for Removal of Police Chief

Demands immediate replacement as chief eyes future political run

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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At a recent city commission meeting, Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado called for the removal of Police Chief Manuel Morales, accusing him of already campaigning for a future city commission seat while still serving as chief. Rosado's motion to remove Morales failed to get a second, but the city is now starting the process of searching for a new police chief as Morales approaches retirement.

Why it matters

The dispute over the police chief's future plans highlights the political tensions in Miami City Hall and raises questions about the appropriate role of a sitting police chief, especially if they are perceived to be pursuing other political ambitions while still in office.

The details

Commissioner Rosado told the city manager that he does not trust Morales to continue in his role as police chief, claiming that Morales has already told community members he plans to run for a city commission seat in 2027 after retiring as chief in October 2026. Morales denied having any immediate plans to run for office, but acknowledged he has been approached about continuing public service. Other commissioners expressed concern about Morales potentially being distracted by political aspirations while still serving as chief.

  • Morales is set to retire as police chief in October 2026.
  • Rosado claims Morales plans to run for a city commission seat in November 2027.

The players

Ralph Rosado

A Miami city commissioner who called for the removal of Police Chief Manuel Morales.

Manuel Morales

The current Miami police chief who is set to retire in October 2026, but is accused of already planning a future run for city commission.

Mike Gabela

A Miami city commissioner who expressed concern about Morales potentially being distracted by political ambitions while still serving as chief.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what kind of trust I can have in you at all, for you to continue in this role.”

— Ralph Rosado, Miami City Commissioner (nbcmiami.com)

“I have been approached by members of the community that would love to see me continue my public service after I am done in uniform.”

— Manuel Morales, Miami Police Chief (nbcmiami.com)

“I need to know again, that I have a full-time chief on the job, not thinking of politics, that he is the chief.”

— Mike Gabela, Miami City Commissioner (nbcmiami.com)

What’s next

The city is starting the process of looking for a new police chief to replace Morales, who is set to retire in October 2026.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the political tensions in Miami City Hall and raises questions about the appropriate role of a sitting police chief, especially if they are perceived to be pursuing other political ambitions while still in office. The city must now navigate a transition to a new police chief who can restore trust and focus solely on public safety.