Statement by Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector: Defending the Nation and Respecting the Rule of Law On recent protests, vandalism, and national security.

In recent days, we’ve seen protests against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), particularly in California. While I firmly support the right to peaceful expression, we must draw a clear line between protest and destruction. These protests have led to the destruction of federal buildings, police vehicles, and private property—acts that have no place in a civilized society.

As someone who emigrated from a communist regime, I understand what it means to leave everything behind in search of freedom. When you arrive in this beautiful country—the United States of America—it opens its doors to you. And with that opportunity comes a duty: to respect its laws, follow its rules, and never seek to destroy the very nation that welcomed you. You don’t repay freedom by burning the American flag. You don’t honor opportunity by tearing down the institutions that make it possible.

No one should ever assault a law enforcement officer, whether a local police officer or a federal agent. That is against the law and cannot be justified under any circumstances. As I’ve said before, I believe immigration must be evaluated case by case, with compassion and discernment. But I fully agree with President Trump—we must remove every terrorist, criminal, and enemy of the United States that the Biden administration irresponsibly allowed to enter. We must defend our national security with strength and determination.

The current chaos surrounding immigration is the direct result of the Biden administration’s weak and inconsistent policies. What we are witnessing is not compassion—it is disorder. And this disorder has begun to harm the very immigrants who wish to stay in the United States legally.

We must never allow our cities to be destroyed, nor let ourselves be influenced by individuals who exploit these moments to promote violence and division. Sadly, we’ve seen some use this unrest to burn the flag of the United States—a sacred symbol of liberty, sacrifice, and the very rights that make protest possible. That is unacceptable.

Acts of vandalism and the desecration of our nation’s flag must never be tolerated. Those who use national security as a partisan political tool are gravely mistaken. This is not about left or right—this is about protecting our country, our communities, and our sovereignty. National security should never be manipulated for political gain. Defending our flag and the nation it represents is a duty all patriots share.