Florida AG Warns Key West Over Ending ICE Partnership

The Key West City Commission voted overwhelmingly to void its 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which deputized local police to enforce federal immigration laws, sparking a strong response from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Uthmeier condemned the action as illegal under Florida law, labeling Key West a sanctuary city and threatening enforcement of civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office, if the city does not reverse its decision. The agreement had been signed by Police Chief Sean Brandenburg under pressure from state officials, with Key West residents and immigrant advocates passionately opposing the partnership during a public meeting. The state insists local governments must cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, a stance reinforced by Governor Ron DeSantis. Key West officials argue the community’s voice and immigrant support justify resisting the agreement, while Uthmeier cited recent arrests of illegal aliens with criminal histories as evidence supporting strict immigration enforcement. The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between local policies favoring immigrant protections and state mandates enforcing immigration law.