Miami-Dade proposal could block ICE detainee records

Miami-Dade County commissioners will consider a proposal Monday that would block the release of public records about federal immigration detainees held in county jails—effectively giving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) full control over their information. The proposal is part of an agreement with ICE under the federal 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to assist with immigration enforcement. All 67 county jails in Florida already participate in the 287(g) program, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the measure Monday at 9 a.m. at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami (111 NW 1st St, Miami, FL 33132). The Florida Immigrant Coalition said the policy would allow ICE to operate without transparency, hiding detainees’ whereabouts and legal status from loved ones. Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, urged residents to attend the hearing and speak out. “If you believe in due process, transparency, and the right to safety, come to the Miami-Dade Commission hearing on June 9th and make your voice heard,” Petit said. “Our rights, safety, and the constitutional guarantees of due process are in jeopardy right here in Miami.” “Imagine if your husband, father, son, wife, or best friend disappeared without a trace by the same officials that are supposed to serve you,” she added. “Many of us have lived this reality in countries like Cuba, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, and others. Not here, not now, not ever! No one should vanish without a trace.” Florida is home to an estimated 590,000 undocumented immigrants—the third highest total in the U.S., according to Homeland Security estimates. Miami-Dade Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez has voiced support for the proposal, calling it a formal step to reinforce existing cooperation with ICE. “Miami-Dade is not and will not be a sanctuary county,” Gonzalez wrote on X. “I’m backing an item to formally approve our ICE agreement, already signed by the Mayor in March, as required by state law. We’ve honored detainers since 2019. This just ensures we get reimbursed.”

Miami-Dade is not and will not be a sanctuary county. I’m backing an item to formally approve our ICE agreement, already signed by the Mayor in March, as required by state law. We’ve honored detainers since 2019. This just ensures we get reimbursed. Common sense > politics.

— Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez (@RobJGonzalezFL) June 6, 2025

The Miami Herald reported the county would be reimbursed $50 per detainee per day. But coalition leaders argue that’s far less than the actual cost of detention—and a poor tradeoff for what they say is a loss of transparency and accountability. The commission’s decision could have lasting implications for Miami-Dade’s immigrant communities.