Tensions are rising in one of Florida’s most well-known tourist destinations after state officials warned local leaders they could be removed from office for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The controversy began on Tuesday when the Key West City Commission voted 5-1 to pull out of a long-standing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). That agreement, part of the federal 287(g) program, gives local police the power to carry out certain immigration-related duties, like questioning and detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
The decision to end the partnership came with emotion and deep division. Commissioner Donald Lee, a former police chief, said he voted with his heart. “I try not to make decisions with my heart because it can get me into trouble,” he told the Miami Herald. “Tonight, I am going to make a decision from my heart, and I hope it doesn’t get the city in trouble.”
But that’s exactly what state leaders say is happening.
Within 24 hours, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a stern letter to the city commission, accusing them of violating state law and warning that their vote effectively turned Key West into a “sanctuary city” — a move banned under Florida statute.
“Florida law unequivocally forbids sanctuary cities,” Uthmeier wrote. He demanded that Key West reverse its decision immediately and warned that failure to do so could result in “civil and criminal penalties,” including removal from office by order of the governor.
DeSantis will likely suspend 5 of the 6 Key West City Commissioners for canceling an agreement w/DHS to have local cops enforce immigration law
Florida’s AG made that clear
So now they’re having a special meeting Tuesday to undo the cancelation https://t.co/upGP6SKsWx
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) July 2, 2025
The 287(g) program has been debated across the country for years, with critics saying it can damage community trust and supporters saying it helps keep dangerous individuals off the streets. In Florida, however, the program is backed by state law — meaning local governments are expected to comply.
Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the situation during the opening of a new immigration detention facility called “Alligator Alcatraz,” located deep in the Everglades. Though he didn’t directly announce any suspensions, DeSantis supported the attorney general’s position.
“You can virtue signal and try to make political statements,” he said, “but the reality is local governments have to abide by Florida law.”
State officials say that illegal immigrants with criminal records were scheduled to arrive at the new detention center Wednesday night. Uthmeier later posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Next stop: back to where they came from.”
The standoff in Key West isn’t just about one city’s decision. It’s now becoming part of a much larger debate about how far local leaders can go in resisting state immigration policy — and whether emotion or law will guide their decisions.
June 30, 2025, Key West Communist Commissioners voted 6-1 to nullify Desantis and 287(g) PAID ACTIVISTS showed up all in blue. #desantis pic.twitter.com/TDio99vRg3
— Kathleen Morgan (@KatieConsuelo) July 1, 2025
With the threat of removal hanging over their heads and national attention turning toward the Florida Keys, city commissioners now face a deadline to make a choice.
Will Key West reverse course to avoid legal consequences — or hold the line and risk a dramatic showdown with Tallahassee?
