Christi Fraga, the mayor of Doral, has publicly acknowledged that she signed a cooperation agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to direct pressure from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state's Attorney General. This revelation came during an interview with Gloria Ordaz on Telemundo 51.
Fraga explained that her understanding of a state law enacted in 2025 mandated municipalities to enter the 287(g) agreement. At that time, elected officials were warned they could be removed from office and police departments might lose their accreditation if they did not comply. When asked if she acted under the governor's threat, Fraga confirmed this was the case.
Policing and Cooperation with ICE
Despite signing the agreement—approved by the city council in January 2026 under the Task Force model—Fraga emphasized that Doral's police force has not participated in any immigration operations. "Our police have not worked with ICE on any raids," she assured, adding that the city has neither sent officers for related training nor shared resident data with federal authorities.
Community Concerns and Federal Operations
Fraga sought to reassure citizens, saying, "There is no reason to fear our police department." The Cuban-American official also highlighted that federal agencies do not inform Doral about planned operations in the area. She has requested information from the Department of Homeland Security about any arrests made.
She discussed her concerns with the White House, expressing to President Donald Trump that many Venezuelan families have established their lives in the U.S., with American-born children, and do not wish to leave. However, she did not receive a specific response.
Uncertain Future of the Agreement
When questioned about regret over signing the agreement and whether she would consider terminating it, Fraga remained undecided. She mentioned that she has reached out to Florida's Attorney General for an official determination and plans to await their reply before taking further action.
Fraga questioned why other cities that did not sign the 287(g) agreement have not faced the warned consequences. She also rejected claims that her signing indicates support for immigration raids and defended her leadership against calls for resignation, citing the city's low taxes and safety.
The future of the agreement remains uncertain as the mayor awaits the Attorney General's response. Her statements come amid growing pressure from activists and community leaders demanding the agreement's termination. On Tuesday, former U.S. Representative Joe García and South Miami Mayor Javier Fernández, whose city did not sign the agreement without facing repercussions, led a public meeting to call for its end. García was blunt: "They could have chosen compassion but opted for cruelty."
The impact of ICE operations on Doral's businesses and families has been severe. Pipo Burgers, a local restaurant, reported a 70% drop in sales, a karate school lost about half of its students in three weeks, and many families have chosen to keep their children in virtual classes. ICE arrests in the city increased from three in December 2025 to 17 in July 2026.
Doral is home to around 27,000 Venezuelan-origin residents within a total population of approximately 76,490, making it the largest concentration of Venezuelans outside of Venezuela.
Understanding Doral's ICE Agreement
What is the 287(g) agreement?
The 287(g) agreement is a partnership between local law enforcement agencies and ICE that allows designated officers to perform immigration enforcement functions.
How has the ICE agreement affected Doral?
The agreement has led to increased ICE arrests in Doral, causing significant impacts on local businesses and families, including a notable drop in sales for some businesses and a shift to virtual schooling for many children.
Why is there pressure to terminate the agreement?
Activists and community leaders are urging the termination of the agreement due to its perceived negative impact on families and businesses, as well as the belief that it fosters a climate of fear among residents.