Miami-Dade suspends School Bus Safety Program after system errors and legal concerns
Miami-Dade County has suspended its
School Bus Safety Citation Program
effective immediately, following months of public controversy and the discovery of significant system errors that impacted drivers' ability to properly respond to traffic violations, officials announced Thursday.
The program, which launched on May 8, 2024, used cameras mounted on school buses to catch drivers illegally passing stopped buses or speeding near them.
While it aimed to increase student safety, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said the initiative was marred by issues with uniform traffic citations and notices of violation — some of which incorrectly listed a $225 fine.
"These errors make it impossible for the community to respond to the violations within a 30-day period by either paying the fine or requesting an appeal," Cordero-Stutz said. "These errors are unacceptable and they undermine the trust in the system."
Nushin Sayfie, Chief Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit, emphasized the importance of due process, saying courts must "adjudicate cases… in a fair and effective way."
Clerk of Courts Juan Fernandez Barquin went further, calling the underlying statute "horribly written."
While citations will no longer be issued going forward, Cordero-Stutz confirmed that those issued prior to the suspension are still valid and must be paid.
She said the county will now evaluate how the program failed despite its good intentions.
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Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
ICE and Border Patrol will be at the Club World Cup in Miami. Is that normal?
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NBC News also reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent a statement saying it would also be part of the tournament's security team, and advised that 'all non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status.' Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz tried to quell fears, stating that her office would lead stadium security, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is not a priority during the event. 'We are in charge of security at the stadium for the Club World Cup,' Cordero-Stutz said to CBS. 'While we're working with our state and local partners, that is not our priority that day.' A sheriff's office spokesperson said that they are working in collaboration with Hard Rock Stadium security. However, it is unclear in what capacity CBP and ICE are collaborating. CBP at major events The involvement of CBP in major sporting events is not uncommon. In February, they were touting their participation in security for this year's super bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chief in New Orleans. A press release said that 100 Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, Air and Marine Operations agents had been involved in security measures leading up to and during the big game. The scope of their work is described as patrolling the Mississippi River, X-ray examinations of food, drink and merchandise trucks that entered the venue area, air sorties as well as deploying several units to support local, state and federal law enforcement. They have a similar press release about their participation in security for Super Bowl LIV in 2020, which took place at the Hard Rock Stadium. Juan Perez, a former Miami-Dade police director, said concerts and games large enough to merit a special federal security designation — like a Super Bowl— will see federal law enforcement officers deployed around a stadium. 'It's not unusual for ICE to work major sporting events,' he said. 'It's not unusual to bring in agents to help.' The Miami Herald requested clarification from both CBP and ICE regarding the scope of their involvement in the tournament. A CBP spokesperson suggested that public concerns stemmed from a 'misunderstanding,' but declined to elaborate. A formal statement, originally promised, has not yet been released. When the Herald asked ICE to clarify what it meant by advising that 'all non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status' as part of security measures, an ICE spokesperson responded in a statement: 'As is customary for an event of this magnitude with national security implications, ICE will be working alongside our Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice partners to help ensure the safety and security of the event.' Not another Copa The Club World Cup is considered a dress rehearsal for Miami's participation in next year's FIFA World Cup and a chance to show that Miami has the security infrastructure to host a big event safely. The chaotic scenes at last year's Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium have only heightened concerns around security for the Club World Cup. During the July 2024 the tournament final's between Argentina and Colombia, thousands of fans overwhelmed stadium entry points—jumping over barricades, bypassing security checks, and clashing with police. The chaos endangered the safety of spectators, players, and referees, ultimately forcing officials to delay the game 80 minutes. According to reports at the time, 55 people were ejected from the venue and 27 were arrested. Nearly 800 police officers were there, which is quadruple what they deploy for Dolphins games and close to Super Bowl numbers, reported the Miami Herald at the time. However, Saturday's match may not draw the same crowds as last year's Copa América final. According to Sports Illustrated, FIFA was forced to slash ticket prices for the opening fixture of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to sluggish sales. After the tournament draw in December, the cheapest seats were priced at $349. That figure dropped to $230 the following month, then to around $110—and as of early June, tickets have fallen to as low as $55 for fans hoping to see Inter Miami face Egypt's Al-Ahly on Saturday, June 14. Hostile environment While the presence of federal agents at major sporting events like the Super Bowl is not unusual, the political climate has dramatically shifted. For many immigrant advocates, CBP's tone and visibility suggest something more than routine security measures. Thomas Kennedy, an immigration advocate with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said the rhetoric is troubling. Although checking legal status for every attendee would be logistically difficult, he said, the mere suggestion that non-citizens should carry proof of legal status could be enough to deter participation. 'Detentions have clearly increased, and there's such a hostile immigration enforcement environment right now,' Kennedy said. 'It's not just Miami—international fans with valid visas could feel intimidated. There are real financial and emotional consequences.' He added: 'I'd be worried and disturbed if I were going to the games,' Kennedy said. 'If I didn't have status, I would probably stay away altogether.' FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who oversaw the 2022 tournament in Qatar, said they are prepared to create a safe environment at the matches. 'The most important thing for us is to guarantee security for fans who come to the games,' he said. 'Nobody should think they can come to a game and create problems. We want everyone to have a good time.' At a press event Wednesday at the Pérez Art Museum, marking the one-year countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will include seven matches in Miami, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was asked whether fears of immigration enforcement might deter fans from attending. 'I'm not the sheriff, I'm not a police officer, and I'm focusing on how the games are going to continue for the protection of everyone,' she told the Herald. 'We want to focus on the well-being and safety of all participants. That's my priority.' Miami Herald staff writer Vivienne Serret, Douglas Hanks, and Michelle Kaufman contributed to this story.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Cache County man admits to sexually assaulting 12-year-old girl, sentenced to one year in jail
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Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Yahoo
2 NYPD detectives, including member of Mayor Adams' detail, placed on desk duty for working private security for crypto torture case suspect, sources say
NEW YORK — Two veteran NYPD detectives — including a member of Mayor Eric Adams' security detail — were placed on desk duty Thursday for allegedly working private security without approval for one of the suspects arrested in the crypto torture case, police sources said. One of the cops was identified by sources as Roberto Cordero, a detective first grade with the NYPD since 2005, who was assigned to the Executive Protection Unit, which handles Adams' security. The second was identified by sources and an NYPD personnel order obtained by the Daily News as Raymond Low, a detective second grade with Manhattan North Narcotics who also joined the NYPD in 2005. He was placed on desk duty about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Cordero and Low officially were sworn in as cops on the same day, Jan. 10, 2005, records show. Investigators looking into the circumstances of the crypto torture case which has led to the arrests of two investors, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, learned that Cordero and Low were employed by one of the two men, the sources said. On Friday, an Italian national, 28, escaped from a multimillion-dollar Soho townhouse and went to police. Investigators established he had been held for 17 days and tortured repeatedly, authorities said. Woeltz was arrested last Friday. Duplessie was arrested Wednesday. It was unclear Thursday which of the two suspects the detectives were working for or how much they were being paid. The sources said a retired cop helped get the two detectives the job. Investigators have not determined whether either Cordero or Low had any knowledge or involvement in the kidnapping and torture of the victim, the sources said. Cordero's assignment to the mayor's detail in 2021 predated Adams' tenure as mayor, department records show. In a brief statement, an NYPD spokesperson said, 'Members of the service were modified yesterday. The matter is under internal review.' 'Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty. We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty. The investigation is ongoing,' said Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Mayor Adams. _____
