Key West City Commission Votes to End ICE Enforcement Agreement

The Key West City Commission voted 6-1 to void the city’s 287(g) agreement, ending the local police department’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision followed extensive public comments from residents, business owners, and community leaders who opposed the agreement, which had been signed in March and allowed local police to assist ICE with immigration enforcement. Commissioners described the agreement as federal and state overreach, with some arguing that the police chief lacked authority to sign it. Police Chief Sean Brandenburg expressed concern that the agreement was mandatory under state law and warned of possible repercussions from the governor. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded by stating his office would soon take action against Key West for this move, emphasizing the state's commitment to enforcing immigration laws. The commission also resolved that any future agreements with immigration enforcement must receive approval from the commission.