Once hailed as «the best police chief in America,» Art Acevedo is suspended in Miami

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Miami’s new Police Chief Art Acevedo speaks to the media during his introduction at City Hall on March 15, 2021 in Miami, Florida. Acevedo left his job as police chief in Houston, Texas to take over Miami’s police department.

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Art Acevedo, Miami Police Chief, joins in a Gun Violence Peace March on June 16, 2021.

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Art Acevedo, Miami Police Chief, joins in a Gun Violence Peace March on June 16, 2021.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Like the three city commissioners, Acevedo is also Cuban-American. He was born in Havana but grew up in Los Angeles. He apologized for his comments, saying he was unaware that that Fidel Castro had often referred to Miami’s exile community as «the Cuban Mafia.»

Acevedo further angered officials with an 8-page memo he sent to the city manager detailing a series of incidents that he said showed improper interference by city commissioners. He said he planned to ask the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an investigation.

In a statement announcing Acevedo’s suspension, city manager Noriega said the chief’s relationship with the police department had «deteriorated beyond repair» and that’s it’s time to find a new leader for the department. In a memo he sent to members of the police department, Acevedo said, «it has been a privilege serving with you and fighting for you.» And he said, «I promise to continue to fight the good fight to rid the MPD of the political interference from city hall that unfortunately continues to negatively impact his organization.»

• Art Acevedo
• miami police department