Key West defies state law by ending ICE immigration enforcement agreement

In Key West, Florida, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the city commission voted 5-1 to end its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by voiding the 287(g) agreement. This agreement had authorized local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws, granting them powers to arrest and detain individuals suspected of violating these laws. The resolution followed a lengthy public comment session, where residents expressed their concerns about local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. The agreement had been enacted without the commission's approval earlier in March under the directive of the police chief. The new resolution directs both the city manager and police chief to prevent any new agreements with ICE while awaiting a court ruling regarding local government obligations in immigration enforcement. While the Key West commission aimed to prioritize community input and redefine local law enforcement priorities, they faced significant backlash from state authorities, particularly Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. He declared the commission's actions violated state law, branding Key West as a "sanctuary city" and threatening the commissioners with removal from office unless they reinstated the partnership with ICE. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also expressed his discontent, emphasizing that local governments are required to adhere to state immigration laws and calling for full cooperation with federal enforcement. The reprimand from state officials underscores a broader tension between local governments and state mandates surrounding immigration enforcement. As this conflict unfolds, Key West's leaders are grappling with the implications of their decision amidst intense pressure from state authorities who enforce strict immigration policies.