According to Voz Populi: Is Miami-Dade ruled by a Mafia?

According to Voz Populi: Is Miami-Dade ruled by a Mafia? This “Mafia” Image Is No Coincidence

Introduction to Public Perception

Miami-Dade, one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse counties in the United States, has been the subject of growing concerns over the perception of corruption and shady dealings in its public administration. This “mafia” image is no coincidence; it is fueled by a past marked by organized crime and a series of recent scandals that have called into question the integrity of its institutions. In this article, we will explore how this perception developed, what implications it has for residents’ daily lives, and what is being done to change it.

Historical Roots of Organized Crime in Miami

Miami has a rich and complex history, and its relationship with organized crime is an integral part of it.

Influence of Organized Crime in Miami

The Influence of Italian-American Mafia Families

During the 20th century, Miami became a key operational hub for various Italian-American mafia families. Clans such as the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese families found fertile ground in the city for their illicit activities, from illegal gambling to extortion. The influence of these organizations not only affected the local economy but also planted a culture of illegality and secrecy that still lingers in the collective memory.

Source: Wikipedia

The Impact of Drug Trafficking in the 1980s and 1990s

The arrival of drug trafficking in Miami during the 1980s and 1990s marked a turning point. Notorious figures like Pablo Escobar used the city as a logistical hub for cocaine trafficking, leading to increased violence and a deterioration in the perception of security. The television series Miami Vice captured this chaos and glamour, immortalizing an era where the line between legality and illegality was blurred.

Source: Infobae

History of Corruption in Miami-Dade

Political Dynasties in Miami-Dade

Voz Populi has pointed out the existence of “political dynasties” in the county, where public figures with years in the political system constantly switch positions to remain in power. These figures not only stay in politics but also use their knowledge of administrative systems to perpetuate their influence. Some examples of these dynamics include:

• Political Families and Alliances: It is common to find cases where former officials place relatives in key positions or support allies to ensure continued control. This network of influence creates a difficult cycle to break, perpetuating corrupt practices and obstructing political renewal.
• Rotation Among Positions: Another concerning aspect is the rotation among different public offices. Commissioners, mayors, and other officials frequently change roles, creating the impression that the same people are always in control. This contributes to a lack of innovation and effective responses to county problems.

These practices not only perpetuate corruption but also limit the implementation of effective solutions for the county’s issues.

Recent Cases of Corruption

In recent times, several Miami-Dade government officials have been involved in corruption cases, further eroding trust in local institutions.

2013 – Giménez and the Dismantling of the Anti-Corruption Unit

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Giménez allegedly dismantled the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Anti-Corruption Unit, according to claims by retired detective Luis Rodríguez. Rodríguez, who served in the unit for over a decade, stated that Giménez used his connections to eliminate this key division investigating illegal activities, including absentee ballot fraud.

Rodríguez declared that during past elections, the Anti-Corruption Unit was investigating a ballot manipulation scheme led by close associates of Giménez, such as Daysi Pentón de Cabrera, who was arrested with a folder containing 19 ballots. However, search warrants for Giménez’s campaign office in Hialeah were never authorized.

Rodríguez also emphasized that Giménez favored his associates and prioritized budget cuts affecting public employees, causing a loss of trust in his administration. According to him, “the tentacles of corruption are so powerful that they would require the intervention of an independent federal agency, such as the FBI.”

Source: Diario Las Américas

2016 – Opa-locka Scandal

In 2016, a federal investigation revealed a bribery and embezzlement scheme in the city of Opa-locka. Local officials demanded illegal payments from business owners to allow them to operate. This case led to the arrest of several officials and marked a critical point in public perception of corruption in the county.

Source: Miami Diario

2017 – Fraud in North Miami Beach

Former North Miami Beach Mayor Myron Rosner was arrested in 2017 for securities fraud. It was discovered that he used his position for personal gain, reinforcing the idea that corruption was deeply rooted in local institutions.

Source: New Times Miami

2022 – Arrest of Commissioner Joe Martínez

In August 2022, Joe Martínez, a county commissioner, was arrested on charges of illegal compensation and conspiracy. According to the indictment, Martínez accepted $15,000 from a businessman in exchange for influencing zoning code legislation.

Source: nbcmiami

2023 – Alex Díaz de la Portilla and Bribery

In September 2023, Alex Díaz de la Portilla, a Miami city commissioner, was arrested for bribery and money laundering. Authorities accused him of receiving $245,000 in cash for his campaign in exchange for influencing official decisions.

Source: Yahoo News

2023 – Joe Carollo and Personal Persecution

Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo was fined $63.5 million after being found guilty of using his position to target political and business adversaries.

Source: Biscayne Times

2024 – The Double Office of Commissioner Roberto González

Commissioner Roberto González, representing District 11, opened a second office within his district before the lease for the first one expired. As a result, the county continues to pay over $4,500 per month for an unoccupied office, using taxpayer funds. Critics argue this is an unnecessary and inefficient expense, with total costs estimated at half a million dollars.

Source: Actualidad Radio Miami

2024 – Resignation of Port of Miami CEO

In October 2024, Juan Kuryla, CEO of the Port of Miami, resigned amid investigations into irregularities in contracts and bids. Audits were launched to determine the extent of potential corrupt practices in this critical institution.

Source: NBC 6 South Florida

2024 – Alexander Otaola’s Vote Recount Request

Following the 2024 elections, Alexander Otaola requested a vote recount, citing irregularities. However, the Elections Department denied his petition, stating it did not meet legal criteria for a recount.

Source: CubitaNow

2024 – Trial Against Daniella Levine Cava

In August 2024, Alexander Otaola and his legal team, represented by VPP Law, filed a lawsuit against Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Miami-Dade Elections Department. They alleged irregularities in the primary elections, specifically related to the manipulation of ballot forms, which allegedly placed Levine Cava’s name at the top of the ballot.

Despite the accusations, Levine Cava was re-elected with more than 60% of the votes. The litigation is still ongoing, and no recent updates have been reported on the status of the case.

Source: Cibercuba

2024 – Heriberto Martínez Case in the Jackson Health System

In August 2024, Heriberto Martínez, an employee of the Jackson Health System, was arrested for accepting cash payments and gifts in exchange for awarding contracts to a supplier.

Source: Telemundo 51

Administrative Errors Without Legal Consequences

Voz Populi has also highlighted serious errors in public administration over the years, which have directly impacted residents’ quality of life. Despite their impact, these errors have not resulted in significant legal consequences for those responsible. Some of the most notable include:

Deterioration of Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Recurring infrastructure problems, long delays in renovations, and lack of adequate investment.

Source: El Nuevo Herald

Problems at the Port of Miami

• In December 2024, the CEO of Port of Miami Crane Management Inc. (PMCM)—the company responsible for maintaining the cargo cranes at PortMiami—resigned.
• This decision followed audits revealing mismanagement of funds, operational deficiencies, and failures in maintaining the cranes in safe operating conditions.

Source: NBC Miami

PMCM is a non-profit organization created in 1999 by Miami-Dade County, responsible for ensuring that the cranes remain operational for unloading containers at the port.

Source: NBC Miami

Administrative Errors Without Legal Consequences

Voz Populi has also highlighted serious errors in public administration over the years, which have directly impacted residents’ quality of life. Despite their impact, these errors have not resulted in significant legal consequences for those responsible. Some of the most notable include:

Deterioration of Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Recurring infrastructure problems, long delays in renovations, and lack of adequate investment.

Source: El Nuevo Herald

Problems at the Port of Miami

• In December 2024, the CEO of Port of Miami Crane Management Inc. (PMCM)—the company responsible for maintaining the cargo cranes at PortMiami—resigned.
• This decision followed audits revealing mismanagement of funds, operational deficiencies, and failures in maintaining the cranes in safe operating conditions.

Source: NBC Miami

PMCM is a non-profit organization created in 1999 by Miami-Dade County, responsible for ensuring that the cranes remain operational for unloading containers at the port.

Source: NBC Miami

Roads and Public Transportation

• Poor road conditions, delays in expanding transportation systems such as the Metrorail, and an inefficient bus network that fails to meet residents’ needs.

Source: MiamiDiario.com

Public Services

• Issues with potable water supply and sanitation, long delays in emergency responses related to public services, and poor management in key institutions such as the Jackson Health System.

Source: Telemundo 51

The Culture of Impunity

Resignations Instead of Trials

Officials like former Commissioner Joe Martínez or former Port of Miami CEO Juan Kuryla faced serious accusations, yet instead of being legally prosecuted, they chose to resign without fully facing the consequences.

Allowing Continuity in the System

Some officials are reassigned to other government positions, where their knowledge of the system allows them to maintain influence and operate without restrictions.

Urgent Reforms

To restore public trust and address Miami-Dade’s chronic problems, Voz Populi proposes:

• Transparency and Accountability: Regular independent audits for all government agencies.
• Stronger Anti-Corruption Laws: Banning officials implicated in corruption from holding public office in the future.
• Leadership Rotation: Limiting political figures’ time in power and encouraging renewal.
• Citizen Participation: Creating effective mechanisms for residents to monitor and engage in government decisions.

Ongoing and Future Investigations

Efforts to Combat Corruption

In response to these challenges, authorities have intensified efforts to combat corruption. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Katherine Fernández Rundle, has a Public Corruption Unit dedicated to investigating and prosecuting government officials and employees involved in corrupt activities.

Source: Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

Additionally, in January 2025, Rosie Cordero-Stutz assumed office as Miami-Dade Sheriff, becoming the first woman to lead the largest police force in the southeastern United States. Cordero-Stutz has expressed her commitment to fighting corruption and restoring public trust in security institutions.

Source: LA NACION

Conclusion

These incidents have created a negative perception of public administration in Miami-Dade. The recurrence of scandals suggests a lack of effective oversight and transparency mechanisms. Despite recent efforts, it is clear that structural reforms are needed to combat corruption and restore citizens’ trust.

This historical overview highlights how corruption has evolved and persisted in the county, emphasizing the urgency of sustained and effective action.

The history of corruption, administrative errors, and power dynamics in Miami-Dade underscores the urgent need for structural changes. The repetition of these patterns severely affects residents’ quality of life and raises serious doubts about institutional integrity. Only through sustained and effective action can this situation be reversed and ensure that the government truly serves its citizens.

The Importance of Our Participation in Local Politics to Combat Corruption

Local politics has a direct impact on our quality of life, from public services to community safety. However, the numerous cases of corruption and mismanagement in places like Miami-Dade demonstrate a serious disconnect between citizens and their representatives. This cannot continue.

It is crucial that we, as citizens, take an active role in local politics to combat these events and ensure a more transparent, fair, and efficient government.

Being Part of the Solution

Every time we choose not to get involved in local politics, we leave a void that can be filled by personal interests, corrupt influence networks, or figures who do not represent the values of the community. Our active participation serves as a natural counterbalance to abuse of power, promoting a more equitable and responsible system.

Participation does not mean just voting every four years. It means monitoring, demanding accountability, and being aware of the decisions made on our behalf. If we don’t, we allow the same actors to perpetuate cycles of corruption, such as the dismantling of the Anti-Corruption Unit or absentee ballot fraud cases.

Education and Citizen Oversight

Corruption thrives in the shadows, but an informed and vigilant citizenry can break this pattern. Understanding how local institutions work and what decisions our representatives are making allows us to identify irregularities, demand audits, and pressure for public funds to be used efficiently.

There are multiple ways to get involved:

• Attend Public Meetings: City councils and local commissions discuss key issues affecting our community. Attending or participating virtually gives us the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns.
• Join Community Initiatives: Citizen watchdog groups and non-profit organizations often focus on promoting transparency and justice. Supporting them strengthens our community’s power.
• Report Irregularities: If we observe suspicious practices, it is our responsibility to report them to the appropriate authorities.

The Power of Voting in Local Politics

While voting in national elections is important, local politics has a more immediate impact on our daily lives. Choosing leaders who share our values and who are committed to transparency and accountability is essential.

Every vote matters, and not voting only benefits those who seek to perpetuate corrupt practices.

It is essential to research candidates, evaluate their records, and demand public debates where we can understand their proposals and commitments. Only through this level of engagement can we elect representatives who work for the community rather than for personal interests.

A Collective Change

Fighting corruption is not an individual task but a collective effort. By uniting as a community to demand transparency and justice, we send a clear message:

• We will not tolerate corruption or incompetence in our institutions.
• Our active participation can empower honest leaders, strengthen public institutions, and build a system that serves everyone, not just a select few.

Our participation in local politics is not just a right but a responsibility. By getting involved, voting, reporting, and educating ourselves, we can stop the spread of corruption and ensure that our institutions truly serve the people.

We hold the power to change the narrative, protect our future, and secure a fairer, more efficient government for all.