Key West City Commission Approves ICE Enforcement Agreement After State Threats

The Key West City Commission initially voted to void a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which allowed local police to collaborate on immigration enforcement, citing that the police chief lacked authority to sign it. This decision led to warnings from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who stated the commission violated state law and threatened criminal charges or removal from office if they maintained an unlawful sanctuary policy. Under pressure, the commission reversed course and approved a new 287(g) agreement to cooperate with ICE, despite public opposition and pleas from Haitian migrant community members. The reversal sparked protests and public backlash, with many residents urging the commission to wait for a judicial ruling on the legality of mandatory participation in such agreements. Additionally, the commission expressed support for Haitians with Temporary Protected Status, which is set to expire soon, allowing deportation to resume. The dispute highlights tensions between local government autonomy, state immigration policies under Governor Ron DeSantis, and federal immigration enforcement efforts during the Trump administration.