Immigration policy was among the issues raised Thursday as Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins presided over her first City of Miami Commission meeting and weighed in on the city’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The 287(g) program, established under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into formal agreements with ICE that delegate limited federal immigration enforcement authority to trained local officers under ICE supervision.
The City of Miami Commission narrowly approved its participation in a Section 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on June 17, 2025, in a 3–2 vote. Other South Florida cities, including Hialeah, Doral, Davie, and Pompano Beach, have also adopted 287(g) agreements.
Higgins acknowledged the issue and stressed caution in how Miami approaches the partnership.
“That was not a requirement legally for this city to do. Now that they’ve entered that agreement, it’s difficult to unwind so I certainly will look into it, but in the meantime, I just want our residents to know no matter what your status, you should feel safe,” Higgins said.
On Thursday, Higgins presided over her first commission meeting since her mayoral victory, a moment she described as the dawn of a fresh chapter for Miami.
“It really feels like a new day in Miami and we got a lot of things accomplished,” said Higgins.
She opened the session promising to bring civility to local government and to work constructively with commissioners on district priorities.
“It’s an honor to work with all of you and I look very much forward to collaborating with you on your priorities for your districts,” said Higgins.
The meeting also marked a historic milestone — it was the first commission session presided over by a female mayor in the city’s history.
While her work has only just begun, Higgins said she remains focused on delivering on key campaign promises, especially improving the efficiency and performance of city services.
“My goal is to do what I promised to do during the election, which is make city services work better for the residents,” said Higgins.
During the meeting, Higgins listened to residents who expressed frustration over bureaucratic delays. She also proposed appointing James Reyes as the city’s new manager.
“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with him, see his leadership in action,” said Higgins.
The commission approved Reyes’ appointment on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Ralph Rosado dissenting.
“I can not imagine a more rewarding experience than being able to serve this community,” said Reyes.
Reyes, who spent most of his career with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Miami-Dade Corrections and previously ran for Miami-Dade sheriff, currently lives in Broward. His role as city manager will come with an annual salary of $475,000 — a figure that drew some criticism from commissioners.
Reyes defended the compensation, saying his transition to municipal leadership comes with personal sacrifices.
“I’m making sacrifices even with that salary, leaving my career that I have behind. That career in public service, particularly in the state of Florida, leads to a certain benefit, obviously, that I am sacrificing continuing in order to come to the City of Miami that doesn’t offer the same type of benefits,” said Reyes.
Reyes’ first day as city manager is scheduled for Monday.
