In a sudden reversal, the city of Key West in Monroe County, part of the Florida Keys, has decided to renew its ties with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) program known as 287(g). This decision comes just a week after they initially chose to sever the partnership. The shift was largely driven by significant pressure from Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who warned of potential legal repercussions and even threatened to remove commissioners from office if the agreement was not reinstated.
Initial Rejection Backed by Strong Support
Early in July, the Key West Commission voted decisively to end its collaboration with ICE, with six members in favor and one against. This decision marked a departure from the federal 287(g) program, which empowers local police forces to act as immigration agents, allowing them to interrogate, detain, and arrest individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. At the time, commissioners voiced concerns over the social ramifications of the program on the local immigrant community, fearing it would sow "an atmosphere of fear" and distrust towards law enforcement.
State's Reaction: Warnings and Threats
The response from Tallahassee was swift. Attorney General James Uthmeier accused the city of breaching Section 908.103 of the Florida Statutes, which prohibits "sanctuary cities" and mandates local entities to cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement. "I hope Key West chooses the easy path, not the hard one," Uthmeier declared on his social media, signaling a forthcoming legal response. On July 2, he issued a more explicit warning to the city commission: reinstate the program or face removal from office. Uthmeier stated, "Municipalities that do not enter these agreements may be violating Florida law."
Reversal Under State Pressure and Divided Vote
Faced with growing legal and political pressure, the Key West Commission convened another session on Tuesday evening, during which they reversed their previous decision with four votes in favor and two against. The newly approved resolution indicated that the city risked penalties by maintaining its stance against the program and justified the collaboration as a means to adhere to state law and "ensure the safety of its residents." The vote was marked by tension, with audible boos from the audience, reflecting the community's divided opinion on the matter. Following the decision, Uthmeier publicly applauded: "Great news to see Key West heeded our warning and resumed participation in ICE's 287(g) program!"
Understanding the 287(g) Program
Established in 1996, the 287(g) program allows local and state agencies to sign agreements with ICE to undertake roles typically reserved for the federal agency. Through memorandums of understanding, ICE provides training to local police to:
- Interrogate detained individuals to ascertain their immigration status.
- Issue immigration detainers.
- Collaborate in the custody and turnover of individuals to federal authorities.
- Perform tasks related to deporting immigrants with criminal records.
This model of cooperation gained traction during Donald Trump’s presidency and has faced criticism from human rights organizations who view it as a tool for criminalizing immigrant communities.
Florida's Hardline Immigration Stance
Currently, Florida is the only state in the U.S. where all 67 counties have entered into 287(g) agreements. Governor Ron DeSantis's administration has established a stringent immigration policy, legally pursuing cities attempting to limit their cooperation with ICE. Municipalities such as Miami, Hialeah, and Doral have already formalized their participation. In Miami's case, the agreement received majority approval from the commission, despite opposition from some officials. Commissioner Damián Pardo, who voted against it, described the program as "toxic for the immigrant community," warning that its implementation would lead to repression and fear among those still in the process of regularization. Meanwhile, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales sought to downplay the agreement's impact, assuring that immigrants would not be actively targeted, but cooperation would be limited to specific cases.
Security and Legal Compliance Arguments
The resolution passed by Key West argues that returning to the 287(g) program aligns with the "best interest of the city to comply with state and federal laws." It also cites recent arrests in the Florida Keys involving undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, or drug trafficking. Proponents of the agreement argue that such collaboration is vital for public safety and to prevent penalties against the local government.
The local community has reacted with disappointment and concern. Various immigrant rights organizations have condemned the commissioners’ change of stance as capitulation to state intimidation. During the public session, many residents voiced their unease over the possibility that local agents could become extensions of the federal immigration apparatus. Activists fear this could undermine trust between the community and local authorities, potentially leading to less reporting of crimes or abuses due to fears of immigration-related reprisals.
Key Questions about Key West's Decision on ICE Collaboration
Why did Key West initially decide to cut ties with ICE?
The Key West Commission initially chose to end its collaboration with ICE due to concerns about the social impact on the local immigrant community and fears that the program would create an atmosphere of fear and distrust towards law enforcement.
What led to Key West reversing its decision?
The reversal was largely due to substantial pressure from Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, who warned of legal consequences and threatened to remove commissioners if the agreement was not reinstated.
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative established in 1996 that allows local and state law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE to perform immigration enforcement functions, including interrogating, detaining, and arresting individuals suspected of immigration violations.