Hialeah Partners with ICE for Immigration Enforcement

The city of Hialeah, Florida, has approved a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program, which allows local police to assist in immigration enforcement. Mayor Esteban Bovo and the city council, with six members voting in favor, have enabled Hialeah police officers to stop, interrogate, and arrest individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. This move aligns with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's statewide expansion of immigration enforcement, echoing President Trump's broader immigration policies. Despite assurances from Hialeah Police Chief George Fuentes that the police will not engage in raids or systematic checks for immigration papers, community members express concerns over potential racial profiling and mistrust. Hialeah joins several other Florida cities in this initiative, with all county sheriffs also participating. Critics worry about the impact on community-police relations, especially in a city with a predominantly immigrant population.