Tallahassee commission schedules review after months of public outcry over 287(g) immigration agreement

The Tallahassee City Commission on Aug. 20 voted unanimously to ask staff and the city attorney to bring back a report for the Sept. 3 meeting on the city's options related to the 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including the possibility of joining or filing litigation. The action followed a four-hour public-comment block in which residents urged the commission to end the city's cooperation with ICE and described fear and community disruption following an ICE operation in College Town earlier this year.

Why it matters: Speakers said the 287(g) program has chilled trust in law enforcement, harmed families and workers and led to detentions they described as traumatic. Commissioners said they wanted an updated legal and operational picture before taking further steps.

Community members, immigrant-rights groups and university students filled the commission chamber and used public comment to press the mayor and commissioners to pull Tallahassee out of the program. Alejandro Garcia, who identified himself as a downtown resident, said ICE tactics have left immigrant families afraid to seek work or services and urged the city to "withdraw from this agreement." Julius Rios, a longtime resident and military veteran, urged limits on random ID checks and for officers not to question immigration status in routine interactions.

Commissioners asked for specifics from staff about what the city's law-enforcement role has been and what it could be. Mayor Johnny Daley said he "stands firmly against any violations of basic human rights," and requested clarification from police leaders and the city attorney about legal obligations. Chief-level staff reported that the department has not participated in ICE raids cited by residents, that officers do not wear masks during operations, that body cameras are in use and that one officer has completed 287(g)-related training though federal credentialing remained pending.

Public-safety officials told the commission they were not notified by ICE in advance of the College Town operation; they learned about it from another state law-enforcement contact. Multiple speakers said dozens — in one account "more than a hundred" — construction workers were detained in an operation that residents described as a public trauma. Jonathan Puckett urged commissioners to "say no. Please say no." Commissioner Jeremy Matlow moved to bring back a legal-and-policy update and options for action; the motion passed unanimously.

What the city will review: Commissioners asked for (1) a status update on pending litigation in other Florida cities challenging the state or attorney general position on 287(g); (2) a summary of legal risks and remedies, including the cost of litigation; and (3) an explanation of current and possible future operational interactions between the Tallahassee Police Department and ICE, including credentialing, training and data-sharing protocols.

Next steps: Staff will return with the requested legal analysis and operational briefing in September. Commissioners did not take immediate action to terminate the agreement at the meeting; the commission's vote was to request information and options, including potential legal action.

Voices: "I don't believe our city officials and employees should have any further part in this malpractice," said Alejandro Garcia. "We are asking you all to say no," said Jonathan Puckett. Police leadership said, "We had absolutely no involvement in that at all," referring to the College Town operation.

Background: The 287(g) program, authorized by Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), permits the Department of Homeland Security to enter agreements that train and deputize local officers for certain immigration enforcement activities. Speakers and commissioners also referred to recent state-level directives and litigation challenging requirements tied to local participation.