Miami Police Captain Javier Ortiz is getting plenty of attention after telling a city commission meeting that he considers himself a Black man. According to the Miami New Times, Ortiz has been named in lawsuits in which plaintiffs claim they were falsely arrested and racially profiled.
The remarks came during a meeting with the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association, a union for Black officers. In video of the meeting, Ortiz said, “I’m a black male.” He added that he was born in this country and that this is how he feels. When commissioners pressed him, including Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Ortiz pointed to the historical one drop rule as part of his explanation.
The Miami New Times also reported that the city is looking into Ortiz over its off duty work rules and over whether he gave inaccurate information on employment paperwork. The outlet reported that Ortiz identified himself as a white Hispanic man on his original application to the Miami Police Department, but began identifying as Black on official paperwork in 2014 and 2017. The reason for the change has not been explained.
The Miami Dade chapter of the NAACP shared the video on Instagram and said it found his comments disturbing, noting the discussion at the meeting was about racial equity within the police department.
Ortiz responded on Twitter, saying the situation was not news and that people love making stereotypes. He added that it is refreshing to be who you are, like an American.
The investigation was ongoing at the time of this report and no findings had been announced.
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