The president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance accused Miami officials Thursday of retaliating against the group because of his public criticism of city leadership. The accusation appears in a four-page cease-and-desist letter the alliance sent to the city manager.
The letter alleges discrimination and retaliation. It cites a pattern of actions that the group says have hindered its community activities, including canceled town halls and last-minute security changes for a community movie night. The alliance argues that while the city could describe each incident as ordinary administrative delay or event-specific decision-making, the incidents together reveal a broader pattern.
Alliance President James Torres raised the issue at a Miami city commission meeting. He said that after he raised concerns, an official told him, “You picked your poison.” Torres said he has been outspoken about the administration but argued that any consequences should fall on him, not the organization, its members or voters. He said neighboring community groups have not faced similar obstacles.
The alliance has given the city several days to respond before it considers further legal action. CBS News Miami said it contacted the city manager’s office and the city’s communications team by phone, email and in person for comment, but had not received a response.
