Doral Partners with ICE to Support Trump's Immigration Policies in South Florida

In a move that has stirred significant controversy in South Florida, the city government of Doral has unanimously approved a resolution to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program. This program allows local law enforcement agencies to take on roles typically reserved for federal immigration authorities. The decision has raised alarm among immigrant rights advocates, particularly given Doral's demographic profile: 70% of its residents are foreign-born, with a notably large Venezuelan community.

By joining this program, Doral becomes one of over 200 jurisdictions in Florida—the state with the highest number of such collaborations nationwide—that have aligned with the Trump administration's hardline federal immigration policies.

The Legal Pressure and Social Backlash

During the session culminating in the vote, Vice Mayor Maureen Porras explained that the decision was made based on the city attorney's advice. According to the attorney, a new state law passed in February mandates Doral to sign the agreement, which enhances cooperation between local and federal governments to combat illegal immigration. "Our attorney has interpreted the law to mean we must sign this agreement," Porras told Local 10. However, she acknowledged ongoing legal confusion, as other cities like South Miami have challenged this requirement in court, seeking judicial clarity on their obligations.

"We are closely monitoring that case. But in the absence of a clear judicial decision, we must act according to the legal guidance we currently have," Porras added.

Fears Among the Immigrant Community

The resolution has been met with alarm and outrage from activists, lawyers, and members of the immigrant community, who argue that such agreements foster fear rather than safety. "They don't have enough ICE agents to carry out mass deportations. They need local police assistance," said Juan Cuba of the Miami Freedom Project. For Doral's Venezuelan community, known as "Little Venezuela" or "Doralzuela," these policies have sparked significant anxiety and fear.

"It's painful to feel abandoned by the government. We didn't come here to commit crimes; we came to work and build," expressed John, a Venezuelan immigrant who has been in the U.S. for nine years, running a construction company and raising his five-year-old daughter born in the U.S.

Balancing Law and Community Needs

Vice Mayor Porras emphasized that the agreement should not be used to discriminate or infringe on residents' rights. "We want to support our police department while ensuring this contract isn't used to discriminate based on immigration status," she stated, acknowledging the real anxiety within the community. "I know this worries many people. That's why we need robust community outreach efforts," Porras noted.

For those living in Doral without regular immigration status or on temporary permits, the message is clear: the city, once seen as a haven, may now become an extension of the nation's most aggressive immigration policies.

A Wave of Agreements and Resistance Across Florida

Doral is not isolated in its decision. In recent months, cities like Hialeah, Coral Gables, West Miami, and Miami Springs have entered similar agreements, citing compliance with state law, support for police departments, and the enhancement of "public safety." Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo has sought to downplay the impact, asserting that "tomorrow morning, everything will be the same."

Yet, for many activists, this normalcy is deceptive. In Orlando, the recent agreement between ICE and the Police Department triggered protests from community organizations, which criticized the lack of transparency and public consultation. Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Patrol has announced that at least 1,400 state troopers will be sworn in as ICE liaison officers, creating an unprecedented statewide network for enforcing federal immigration policies.