Emma Nisum, a prominent speaker, argued that the agreement would transform local police into ICE agents, describing it as a “cruel, inhumane detention and deportation system.” She emphasized that Miami should be a sanctuary city, free from the fear instilled by such policies. This sentiment was echoed by Christelle Luador, who warned that the agreement would trade trust for control and undermine community safety.

Among the voices opposing the agreement was Amber Shapiro, who highlighted the potential negative impact on community-police relations and the safety of immigrant families. Shapiro expressed concern that the agreement would lead to racial profiling and a deterioration of trust. Modesto Abetti, founding president and CEO of the Children’s Trust, framed the proposal as harmful to immigration enforcement, potentially leading to family separations and increased fear within immigrant communities.

Many speakers called for compassion and justice, urging the commission to prioritize the city’s identity as a welcoming place for all residents. Concerns about the broader implications of such an agreement were also raised, with speakers emphasizing the potential for increased racial profiling, wrongful detentions, and negative ramifications for public health and safety.

In addition to the 287G agreement, the meeting addressed other topics, including proposed changes to term limits and the scheduling of elections. The commission discussed potential reforms to move elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase voter participation. The proposal was met with mixed reactions, with some commissioners expressing support for the change, citing potential increases in voter turnout and cost savings.

The proposed lifetime term limits for city officials were also a point of contention. One commissioner expressed skepticism about the measure, arguing that it could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge and empower lobbyists.

Concerns about the procedural handling of city governance were also raised, particularly regarding complaints of code enforcement violations directed at city officials. Some commissioners called for an independent entity to handle such matters to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure fairness.