Residents of this Florida city call for an end to their agreement with ICE

Residents, business owners and immigration advocates in a South Florida city are demanding that local officials end a controversial agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that growing fears of immigration arrests are affecting families, businesses and everyday life.

The latest demonstration took place Wednesday outside Doral City Hall in Miami-Dade County, where community members gathered to pressure Mayor Christi Fraga and the City Council to reconsider the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Organizers brought a petition containing approximately 170 signatures from residents seeking an end to the partnership.

Why Are Residents Protesting?

At the center of the dispute is an agreement under Section 287(g) of federal immigration law.

The program allows designated local law enforcement officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision.

Doral’s City Council approved participation in the program in 2025, following legal guidance related to Florida’s immigration enforcement policies.

Critics argue that the agreement has damaged trust between residents and local police, even though city officials say Doral officers have not participated in ICE detention operations.

For some residents, the concern is not only about arrests. It is also about the possibility that an ordinary interaction with police could lead to immigration consequences.

Community advocates say that fear is changing how people live.

Business Owners Say Customers Are Disappearing

Doral is home to a large immigrant population, particularly residents with roots in Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

Local business owners say increased immigration enforcement has discouraged some customers from visiting restaurants and other establishments.

Eleazar Guevara, who operates La Sabrosita Parrilla & Grill, told CBS News Miami that his business is facing serious financial difficulties.

Other community members described streets and businesses as noticeably quieter than before.

These accounts reflect residents’ and business owners’ experiences. The precise economic impact of immigration enforcement on Doral has not been independently established.

What Does the Mayor Say?

Mayor Christi Fraga has defended the city’s decision to maintain the agreement.

She says Doral officials acted on legal advice when they approved the partnership and that the city’s police department has not participated in ICE detention operations.

Fraga has also emphasized that federal immigration agents operate independently of the city.

According to the mayor, ending the local agreement would not prevent federal officers from conducting immigration enforcement in Doral.

That distinction has become a central point of disagreement between city leaders and community activists.

Does Florida Law Require the Agreement?

Another major question is whether Doral is legally required to maintain its 287(g) partnership.

Immigration advocates, including representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, argue that the city can withdraw from the program.

City officials, however, have maintained that their decision was based on the legal guidance they received concerning state immigration requirements.

The disagreement has created uncertainty over what options are available to local officials and what consequences, if any, could follow a withdrawal.

What Happens Next?

Organizers say they intend to continue collecting support and pressing city leaders for a public discussion.

However, the petition itself does not require the City Council to cancel the agreement.

As of Thursday morning, there was no confirmed decision by Doral officials to terminate the city’s partnership with ICE.

Even if the city withdrew from the program, federal immigration authorities would retain their independent enforcement powers.

For residents demanding change, the immediate goal is to restore confidence in local government and reduce fear within the community.

For city leaders, the challenge is balancing those concerns with their interpretation of state and federal immigration laws.

The debate is likely to continue as immigration enforcement remains a major issue across Florida.