By Coral Gables Gazette staff

By now, Mayor Vince Lago likely knows that his forays into national and even international issues at Coral Gables Commission meetings will likely bring doses of both support and criticisms. But that isn’t stopping him from continuing to do what he says is right.

At the February 10 commission meeting, the mayor sponsored his latest resolution having to do with international affairs when he asked his fellow commissioner to support an item expressing solidarity and support for the pursuit of freedom, fundamental human rights, and economic justice for the Iranian people and throughout the world.

The resolution passed with majority support, but not before residents and commissioners debated whether a local government should weigh in on conflicts abroad, especially when some residents believe domestic issues remain unaddressed.

Mayor frames resolution as defense of human rights

Lago defended the measure, saying the resolution was consistent with past statements supporting people living under oppressive governments.

“Just as we have stood in solidarity with the people of Cuba and Venezuela in their pursuit of freedom, democracy, and economic stability, I believe that we must also stand with the people of Iran,” Lago said. “Oppression is not an option, and we must continue to stand with those who seek liberty and justice.”

The mayor also emphasized that the resolution’s language extended beyond one country. He read into the record that the commission was expressing solidarity with the Iranian people “and throughout the world,” adding that local leaders should not hesitate to speak out on human rights issues.

“We cannot be afraid to stand up and voice our opinion for democracy, for free elections, and for the positive and correct treatment of human beings,” Lago said.

Residents question City Hall’s role in global political issues

Still, public comment revealed deep divisions over whether the city should engage in international political statements at all.

Resident Noel Cleland cautioned that focusing on a single country could create unintended divisions. “As a local government that focuses on local issues that the residents are dealing with, trying to address international issues leads us down the road of ‘what about-ism,’” Cleland said, listing conflicts in multiple regions. He added that oppression exists “around the world and even here in our country as ICE agents disrupt the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

Resident Tom Carney questioned why the city was addressing events overseas while remaining silent on domestic controversies. “Why, when ICE is terrorizing the citizens of Minneapolis and other cities, are you prioritizing support for protesters in Iran over support for protesters here at home?” Carney said, referring to recent incidents he said resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. He urged the commission to either broaden the resolution’s language or withdraw it.

An emailed statement from resident Katherine Shehadeh, read into the record, echoed those concerns. “This city commission must consider its responsibility and role to the community that it serves and whether it will be similarly supporting protesters who have been brutalized and killed at the hands of our own government,” she wrote, asking that the resolution clarify it does not support military action and include protesters “across the world and in America.”

Commissioners divided over scope and precedent

Commissioner Melissa Castro said she supported the people of Iran but could not support the resolution without broader language. “I don’t know as a local government where we draw the line,” she said before voting no.

Commissioner Richard Lara, however, said the resolution was fundamentally about human rights rather than foreign policy. “I see this as siding on the side of humanity, on the side of decency,” he said.

Resolution continues pattern of international issues surfacing locally

The debate follows several recent instances in which international issues have surfaced at City Hall. Last year, disagreements emerged over whether to raise Israel’s flag or illuminate City Hall following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. After public backlash, the commission ultimately chose to hold a multifaith ceremony instead of symbolic displays.

The mayor has also taken positions closer to home, including supporting measures aligned with state efforts to tighten restrictions on certain businesses connected to Cuba and previously adopting policies aimed at combating human trafficking tied to hourly motels.

Mayor defends speaking out despite criticism

Despite the controversy, Lago said speaking out remains worthwhile, even when it makes some residents uncomfortable.

“At the end of the day,” the mayor said, “we should stand with these people. We should support these people. I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Again, not all agreed. Maria Cruz, a frequent speaker at commission meetings and longtime critic of Lago, urged officials to take a broader and more consistent approach when addressing global issues. “If you’re going to talk about freedoms and abuses, talk about all of them,” Cruz told commissioners, adding that human-rights concerns should be addressed consistently rather than selectively.