Florida AG Warns Orlando Mayor Over Trust Act

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has been warned by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier about potential legal action and possible removal from office if the city continues to enforce its 2018 Trust Act, a policy prohibiting city employees from inquiring about residents' immigration status. Uthmeier argues that the Trust Act is illegal under a 2019 Florida law and constitutes a 'sanctuary policy', which is not allowed in the state. Despite the threats, Dyer insists that neither he nor the Orlando Police Department intends to violate federal or state immigration laws, highlighting their cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) Task Force Model. The Trust Act was originally implemented to encourage crime reporting among residents without fear of deportation, but its future remains uncertain as Dyer has not explicitly addressed its status. Uthmeier's letter has sparked significant attention and debate, though Dyer has yet to confirm any changes to the city's policy.