Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier threatens Key West officials with removal from office after city’s defiant vote to terminate ICE cooperation, effectively creating an illegal sanctuary city in direct violation of state law.
Key Takeaways
- Key West city commissioners voted to end their partnership with ICE’s 287(g) program, effectively making the city a sanctuary jurisdiction contrary to Florida law.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier warned officials they face severe consequences including civil penalties, criminal charges, and potential removal from office.
- Florida law explicitly prohibits sanctuary policies and requires local governments to assist with federal immigration enforcement.
- Recent arrests in the Florida Keys involving illegal aliens with criminal histories highlight concerns about the city’s decision.
- Key West officials claim the agreement was void due to lack of formal approval, while emphasizing their community’s dependence on asylum seekers.
Florida’s Legal Ultimatum to Key West
Key West has found itself squarely in the crosshairs of Florida state officials after city commissioners recently voted to terminate their agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision effectively nullified the city’s participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement duties. Attorney General James Uthmeier immediately responded with a stern warning that the city has violated state law and must reverse course or face serious consequences.
“The City of Key West violated state law when they voted to void the Key West Police Department’s 287(g) agreement with ICE. We will not allow this unlawful sanctuary policy in Florida. They have a choice: stop impeding law enforcement from enforcing immigration law or face the consequences,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Sanctuary City Status and Legal Ramifications
By declaring the existing 287(g) agreement void, Uthmeier contends that Key West has effectively designated itself as a sanctuary city – a status explicitly prohibited under Florida law. Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation in 2019 banning sanctuary jurisdictions and requiring local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The Attorney General’s office has made it clear that this is not simply a policy disagreement but a matter of legal compliance that carries significant penalties.
“Failure to take corrective action will result in enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office,” warned Attorney General James Uthmeier.
In his letter to Key West officials, Uthmeier emphasized the practical concerns driving the state’s position. He highlighted recent arrests in the Florida Keys involving illegal aliens with criminal histories, suggesting that the city’s decision could undermine public safety. This approach mirrors the tough stance the state has taken on immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration, which has prioritized cooperation between federal and local authorities.
Key West’s Defense and Community Concerns
Key West officials have offered several justifications for their decision. City Attorney Kendall Harden claimed the agreement was void because it lacked formal approval through proper channels. Meanwhile, Commissioner Samuel Kaufman defended the move by emphasizing the importance of asylum seekers to the local community, suggesting the city’s action was motivated by humanitarian concerns rather than opposition to immigration enforcement generally.
“People who are seeking political asylum are important members of our community. We have thousands of them here, by the way. And they deserve the respect that anybody else does,” said Commissioner Samuel Kaufman.
This situation is not without precedent in Florida. A similar scenario unfolded in Fort Myers, where the city council initially declined to approve participation in the 287(g) program. However, after warnings from Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Fort Myers reversed course and approved the cooperation agreement. This pattern suggests Key West may face mounting pressure to conform to state requirements regardless of local sentiments.
The Broader Immigration Enforcement Landscape
The conflict between Key West and state authorities reflects broader tensions over immigration enforcement nationwide. Florida’s aggressive stance aligns with President Trump’s immigration priorities, which emphasize cooperation between all levels of government to enforce immigration laws. The 287(g) program specifically enables this cooperation by training local officers to perform immigration functions that would otherwise require federal agents, effectively multiplying federal enforcement capabilities.
As this standoff continues, Key West officials face a difficult choice: reverse their decision and resume cooperation with ICE or face potentially severe legal consequences from state authorities. The outcome will likely have implications beyond the island city, potentially influencing how other Florida municipalities approach immigration enforcement and their relationships with federal authorities under state law constraints.
