Tallahassee City Commission Retains 287(g) Agreement with ICE

Tallahassee City Commission Maintains 287(g) Agreement with ICE Amid Public Opposition

The Tallahassee City Commission voted 3-2 on October 22, 2025, to maintain the 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite significant public opposition. The decision came after a lengthy discussion, where concerns about the implications of the agreement were voiced by various community members.

In a divided vote, Mayor John Dailey, along with Commissioners Dianne Williams-Cox and Curtis Richardson, voted against the motion to rescind the agreement. Conversely, Commissioner Jack Porter expressed strong disapproval of the decision, stating that she felt ashamed of the city’s involvement in policies she considers unconstitutional and immoral. The failed motion was initiated by Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, who had previously called for a review of the legality of the 287(g) agreements.

During the commission meeting, Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) Chief Revell reported that only one officer has completed the required training for the data input associated with the 287(g) agreement, asserting that TPD officers do not engage in immigration status determinations during traffic stops or are involved in immigration enforcement actions.

Matlow’s motion also sought information about a lawsuit in South Miami regarding 287(g) agreements and how Tallahassee could partake in that legal action. Recently, a judge in Miami dismissed the South Miami lawsuit, which aimed to declare that the city was not mandated to enter a 287(g) agreement and would not be characterized as a sanctuary city if it opted out of such agreements.

City commissioners have received warnings from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier against either entering or exiting these agreements, suggesting potential suspensions for those who oppose state directives. It is noteworthy that most cities in Florida have not signed similar agreements, asserting they are not legally required to do so.

Public attendance at the commission meeting included around 40 speakers, the majority of whom opposed the continuation of the agreement. Activists urged the commission to stand against the political pressures from DeSantis’s administration and to uphold immigrant rights. Some speakers even compared terms like “illegals,” used by a few attendees, to racial slurs, leading to heightened emotions and responses from the audience.

Although Matlow’s motion to rescind the agreement initially garnered cheers from the crowd, the ultimate decision was met with disapproval, as boos echoed throughout the room after the vote. Community criticism of the commission’s decision highlighted comparisons between the 287(g) agreement and detrimental policies affecting immigrants. Mayor Dailey referenced his commitment to human rights while trying to control the disruptions during the discussions.

Commissioner Richardson conveyed apprehension regarding potential retaliation from state authorities against local officials standing against the agreement. Other commissioners articulated that their vote may have been influenced by a broader view of their responsibilities towards the community, rather than a simple act of defiance against state laws.

The vote concluded with the majority of the commission deciding to retain the 287(g) agreement, thereby continuing its collaboration with ICE amid ongoing community contention regarding its implications for immigrant rights.