Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier have issued a sharp warning to Key West officials following the city commission’s vote to end a cooperative agreement between local police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The 5–1 vote to withdraw from the 287(g) program, which allows local officers to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws, triggered immediate backlash from state leadership. Uthmeier stated that such actions may violate Florida’s ban on sanctuary policies and suggested that commissioners could face suspension or removal from office.
Governor DeSantis reinforced the warning, emphasizing that no city in Florida is above the law and that state tools would be used to ensure compliance. The vote followed growing concern within the community, especially after a recent incident where an ICE detainer was reportedly issued against a lawfully employed individual in Key West.
The dispute marks a growing clash between local autonomy and state enforcement over immigration cooperation, with Key West officials standing by their decision and the state preparing to act if the policy is not reversed.