Florida Attorney General Warns Key West Officials Over Immigration Agreement

Florida Attorney General James Usmierer has indicated that officials in Key West could risk removal from their positions if they don’t reestablish a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On Tuesday, the West City commissioner decided, with a 5-1 vote, to end an agreement that mandated local police departments to collaborate with ICE. This agreement is part of the federal 287(g) program that enables local governments to engage in certain immigration enforcement activities.

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Commissioner Donald Lee, formerly the police chief, remarked he hoped his choice to break the 287(g) agreement would not adversely affect the city. His vote to detach from this federal program has drawn significant attention.

In a letter to the commissioner, Usmierer stated that their decision contravened state law and effectively rendered Key West a “sanctuary city.” He further emphasized, “Florida law explicitly prohibits sanctuary cities,” demanding that the city retract its decision. Usmierer warned of potential civil and criminal penalties, including possible removal by the governor.

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Florida’s law enforcement agencies that operate county jails are required to work with federal authorities, allowing them to act as limited immigration agents. Governor Ron DeSantis voiced that Key West leaders could face consequences for failing to uphold this agreement.

“I believe the Attorney General has exerted pressure on this, and I will have him conduct an analysis and issue a necessary warning,” DeSantis mentioned during the inauguration of a new immigration detention center in the Everglades. He added, “But the reality is that compliance with Florida law is non-negotiable, regardless of any political statements.”