Federal records and local reporting indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is poised to expand its presence in downtown Miami, with plans to lease space at One Riverview Square along the riverfront. The eight-story building already hosts federal immigration functions, and a larger ICE footprint would put agents just steps from the Miami Immigration Court. The possible deal adds a local twist to a nationwide leasing push that has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, procurement experts and immigrant-rights advocates.
What The Documents Show
Documents reviewed by national reporters describe a coordinated effort to identify dozens of new ICE office locations across the country. According to WIRED, internal memos refer to an "ICE surge" and direct the General Services Administration to speed leases and favor space that could be occupied quickly. That reporting also links the leasing push to a recent hiring surge at ICE and a major increase in funding for the agency.
The Building At The Center
One Riverview Square, at 333 S. Miami Avenue, already houses the Miami Immigration Court, according to the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The court’s public listing identifies the building and suite, underscoring that federal removal proceedings and other immigration work are already carried out inside the same structure.
Leasing Records And The Federal Response
Local reporting states that the GSA leasing portal lists two active leases at One Riverview Square and names BEL BISCAYNE LLC as the lessor, an entity that state records tie to Morgan Stanley. In an email reported by Miami New Times, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson declined to confirm specific office locations, writing that "ICE will not confirm office locations" because of safety concerns for officers. That statement, along with the leasing details, appears in the outlet’s coverage.
Local Politics And Pushback
The developments land amid an active debate at City Hall over Miami's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Mayor Eileen Higgins has indicated she could support revisiting the city’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, but commissioners have so far resisted putting a repeal vote on the calendar, as reported by mayor wants to ditch ICE pact.
Legal And Procurement Questions
National records raise procurement concerns because DHS appears to have asked GSA to invoke the "unusual or compelling urgency" exception to standard competitive bidding rules. WIRED reports that GSA staff were assigned to an ICE "surge" team and instructed to fast-track deals, steps that procurement experts say could sidestep transparency safeguards that normally apply to federal leases.
At this stage, neither ICE nor GSA has publicly confirmed a new Miami lease. Miami New Times also notes that the property’s affiliate owner did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Community groups and immigration attorneys say they will be watching for formal filings or building notices that would make any expansion official.
