Republican Florida Sheriff Vows to Stay Out of Mass Deportations: 'Will Not Have My Deputies Doing That Work'

Rosie Cordero-Stutz, the newly sworn-in sheriff of Miami-Dade County, announced that her office will not participate in mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration, emphasizing a commitment to public safety over immigration enforcement.

In an interview with CBS News Miami, Cordero-Stutz emphasized that her deputies would not act as immigration enforcement agents:

"I will not have my deputies doing that work. Equally, I will always make sure that our community is safe. Of course, immigration will impact our community, but we're going to make sure that we continue a good public service"

While pledging compliance with federal law in specific cases, she stressed that the focus of her office would remain on community trust and safety. She encouraged crime victims, including undocumented immigrants, to come forward without fear of deportation, emphasizing that her department does not inquire about immigration status during routine interactions.

"If you come into contact with law enforcement because of illegal activities and there's a federal immigration hold, we will follow the law," she said. "But my deputies will not be enforcing immigration policy."

Her approach contrasts sharply with the anticipated policies of President-elect Trump, who has prioritized large-scale deportations as Cordero-Stutz's refusal to involve her deputies in immigration enforcement underscores a balancing act between federal expectations and local community dynamics.

During a press conference on Tuesday, covered by WLRN, Cordero-Stutz also expressed that public safety remains a top priority, particularly with Miami-Dade set to host global events like the FIFA World Cup matches:

"Miami-Dade will continue to be an idyllic venue for world class events, and terrorists and deranged [people] will continue to search for ways to strike the defenseless when they least expect it. Therefore not only must we be alert and intensify our efforts, we must maintain a permanent vigilance with persistent innovation"

She also added that she will be fanning out across Miami-Dade County in the coming weeks to better understand community needs and concerns. "I look forward to frank conversations directed at improving the public safety of all communities," she said. "I understand that oftentimes one size does not fit all. We must have the flexibility to tailor those specific local into sound public safely practices."