Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales faced calls for his removal during a City Commission meeting on Thursday, amid concerns that he may run for a City Commissioner seat while still serving as chief.
At the meeting, Commissioner Ralph Rosado asked City Manager to remove Morales, appoint an interim chief, and immediately begin the search for a permanent replacement. “I don’t know what kind of trust I can have in you at all, for you to continue in this role,” Rosado told Morales.
Rosado raised concerns that Morales, who is set to retire in October, is already campaigning for the District Four City Commission seat in the November 2027 elections. He’s Chief of Police since February 1, 2022. Morales denied that he is actively running. “That is so far off in the future, in this business of public safety, I work one day at a time, sir. I have absolutely no plans right now to pursue that anytime soon,” he said.
Rosado responded, saying he had heard from multiple community members that Morales intended to run, placing the city in an uncomfortable position. “We are paying you essentially a half million dollars a year to be campaigning on the job,” he said.
Commissioner Mike Gabela added, “I need to know again, that I have a full-time chief on the job, not thinking of politics, that he is the chief.” Morales reassured commissioners that crime in Miami has fallen across the board and that public safety has improved significantly under his tenure.
Rosado’s motion to remove the chief failed after it did not receive a second. Morales confirmed he will remain chief until his planned retirement, ensuring a smooth transition. Meanwhile, the city has begun the process of searching for his eventual replacement.
