Commissioners in Key West will maintain a particular assembly on Tuesday to find out whether or not to proceed with their resolution to withdraw from a controversial immigration enforcement settlement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Final Monday, throughout a particular metropolis fee assembly, six of the seven commissioners voted to finish the town’s participation within the 287(g) program following robust public backlash. The settlement, signed by the town’s police chief with out fee approval, would have allowed native legislation enforcement to collaborate instantly with ICE on immigration enforcement.
The transfer drew swift response from Florida Lawyer Basic James Uthmeier, who despatched a letter warning metropolis leaders that backing out of the settlement may result in felony costs and even elimination from workplace.
“The Metropolis of Key West violated state legislation once they voted to void the Key West Police Division’s 287(g) settlement with ICE,” Uthmeier posted on X. “We won’t permit this illegal sanctuary coverage in Florida. They’ve a selection: cease impeding legislation enforcement from implementing immigration legislation or face the results.”
Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman, talking Sunday on This Week in South Florida, stated the fee acted as a result of “our police chief didn’t have the authority to enter into that settlement.” He added, “We’re undecided what has modified up to now six years and 6 months,” referring to earlier metropolis positions on immigration cooperation.
Key West is just not formally designated a sanctuary metropolis, and Kaufman emphasised that the town continues to adjust to federal and state immigration legal guidelines. However, residents applauded final week when the fee voted to void the settlement.
The 287(g) program—a part of a broader state immigration legislation signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in February—permits native legislation enforcement businesses to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement. Whereas the legislation seems to permit municipalities the selection to decide in or out, state officers at the moment are pushing again.
Following the town’s resolution, Lawyer Basic James Uthmeier despatched a letter to commissioners warning of potential felony penalties or elimination from workplace. Florida Home Speaker Daniel Perez commented on the matter, saying, “This was not meant to be an non-compulsory settlement,” and urged the judicial system to weigh in.
Tuesday’s assembly will decide whether or not the town follows via with its withdrawal or reverses course beneath authorized menace from the state.
