The Key West Commission voted 6-1 Tuesday to overturn an agreement between its Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE), prompting a strong reaction from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
The agreement in question, signed in March under the federal 287(g) program, allowed local officers to perform limited immigration functions, such as detaining and questioning undocumented immigrants. However, according to the commissioners, the agreement was approved by the chief of police without formal authorization from the city manager or the city council, making it “null and void.”
DeSantis threatens retaliation
Following the vote, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a statement warning that the city “will be hearing from you very soon.”
Governor DeSantis himself, during the opening of the new “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in the Everglades, said:
That Key West officials could be suspended for failing to comply with state laws.
The agreement was approved by the Chief of Police
State law requires departments that operate county jails to collaborate with ICE.
However, it does not oblige local or municipal police to sign 287(g) agreements.
Although DeSantis has lobbied for them to do so, under the justification of combating so-called “sanctuary cities.”
Reject collaboration with ICE
Buzzy
During Monday’s meeting, the Key West City Hall was filled with local residents and merchants who expressed their rejection of ICE’s growing presence in the Florida Keys.
According to them, the massive raids launched earlier this year under the federal government have generated a widespread climate of fear, even among immigrants with legal status.
“This isn’t just about immigrants anymore, it’s about fear and intimidation in our community,” said Bobi Lore, owner of the Island House Resort.
On the other hand, community organizations such as Queer Keys also reported that many immigrants did not attend the hearing for fear of being detained.
“Many are not afraid; that’s what scares me,” stated its director, Chris McNulty.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
