The City Commission of Key West, Florida, voted Tuesday to terminate a cooperation agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking swift backlash from state officials, including a stern warning from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
In a 5–1 vote, commissioners rescinded the agreement—originally signed in March by Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg—arguing that the deal was invalid because it had not been authorized by the city manager. The Miami Herald first reported the decision.
The agreement was part of the federal 287(g) program, a provision under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The program enables local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in identifying, questioning, detaining, and arresting individuals suspected of violating federal immigration laws.
Commissioner Donald Lee, a former police chief himself, said his vote was guided by emotion:
“I try not to make decisions with my heart because it can get me into trouble,” Lee remarked. “Tonight, I am going to make a decision from my heart, and I hope it doesn’t get the city in trouble.”
But trouble may be exactly what’s ahead. In a letter sent Wednesday, Attorney General Uthmeier warned the city that its decision may violate Florida state law prohibiting sanctuary cities.
“By withdrawing from this agreement, Key West is effectively declaring itself a sanctuary city—something that is explicitly forbidden under Florida law,” Uthmeier stated. He cited a March operation where ICE, with support from Key West police, arrested 10 illegal immigrants who were convicted sex offenders. Others detained included individuals previously convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and animal abuse.
“We believe those facts are far more compelling than the sloganeering of misinformed protesters,” he added.
Uthmeier concluded his letter with a clear threat:
“Failure to take corrective action will result in the enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office by the governor.”
Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in Tuesday while attending the opening of a new ICE detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
“You can virtue signal and try to make political statements,” DeSantis said, “but the reality is, local governments must follow Florida law. If they don’t, there will be consequences.”
The governor noted that his administration has previously removed elected prosecutors for similar failures to uphold the law.
As of now, the City of Key West stands by its decision. Whether state officials will act on their warnings remains to be seen.