Key West Reverses Immigration Policy Following Backlash from State Leaders

A Florida city has retracted a controversial decision to defy federal immigration policies, igniting a fierce public reaction just days after the original vote. Key West city commissioners voted on Tuesday to restore local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration efforts, succumbing to pressure from state officials.

This dramatic change follows a 5-1 vote one week prior to end the city’s implementation of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreement, which facilitated cooperation between federal agents and local police. The abrupt reversal has captured significant attention as it raises questions about the intersection of local governance and federal immigration law.

ICE did not respond immediately to a request for comment regarding the recent developments.

Commissioner Takes a Stand Against Closure of ICE Agreement

Commissioner Lissette Carey, who was the lone voice opposing the dissolution of the ICE agreement last week, found herself in the majority during Tuesday’s meeting. “We must support and adhere to the laws set by our state and federal government,” Carey told reporters. She expressed shock at being the only opposing vote in the initial decision, emphasizing that her colleagues failed to comprehend the implications of terminating their cooperation with ICE.

As the commission reinstated the agreement with a 4-2 vote, the atmosphere at the meeting was tense. Attendees voiced their disapproval, shouting at officials before exiting in protest.

The four commissioners who voted to reinstate the agreement, Monika Haskell, Samuel Kaufman, Donald Lee, and Aaron Castillo, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover also declined to discuss the issue.

Poor Communication and Legal Clarity Prompt Concerns

The sudden confusion regarding the legality of the initial decision drew criticism from residents in Key West, which is the southernmost city in the continental United States. The police chief, Sean Brandenburg, had signed the initial agreement, but uncertainty arose over whether it was valid since it did not receive the signature of City Manager Brian Barroso.

“The commissioners took an interesting stance, claiming the agreement was never valid to begin with,” Carey recounted. She sought to clarify the legality of the contract, noting that the city manager typically should sign such agreements, but had authorized the police chief to do so.

Carey elaborated, “The commissioner who proposed amendments to the resolution suggested changing the terminology from ‘reinstating’ to ‘entering into,’ implying that it was an invalid contract to start with. Therefore, the resolution recognizes this as reinstatement, which indicates it was valid initially and then canceled.”

State Officials Apply Pressure on Local Leaders

Pressure from Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials intensified following the initial vote. They criticized local leaders for ending the agreement and warned of potential repercussions if the commission did not quickly reverse its decision. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier had publicly stated that Key West violated state law by dissolving the police department’s agreement with ICE.

Uthmeier accused the city of creating a sanctuary city, which is illegal under Florida law. He asserted that the commissioners could either cease obstructing law enforcement from implementing immigration laws or face consequences.

Forced to Reassess Their Decisions

Carey believed that the urgency behind the reversal stemmed from Uthmeier’s warning, which included threats of civil and criminal penalties against the commissioners, such as possible removal from office. “I think many members on the commission took that statement to heart,” she said. The emergency meeting they called aimed to rectify their prior decision swiftly.

Immediately after the vote, Uthmeier commended the city commission for reinstating its participation in ICE’s program. This decision echoes Florida’s expectations that cities will make their best efforts to support immigration law enforcement.

Legal Challenges Looming for Other Local Governments

This vote surfaces amid ongoing legal challenges by other local governments, such as South Miami, which is suing the DeSantis administration. The lawsuit disputes a state law requiring cities to cooperate with ICE while preventing them from categorically becoming sanctuary cities.

Key West ultimately chose not to join South Miami’s lawsuit against the state, favoring compliance with state directives instead. This decision underscores the complex relationship between local governance and state immigration policies.

A Unified Response from Local Law Enforcement

With the reinstated agreement, Key West law enforcement is now poised to assist in immigration enforcement. Commissioner Carey believes this alliance benefits her constituents. “Many residents, including those who are here legally, were concerned about the commission’s prior decision,” she stated. “When local law enforcement collaborates with ICE, they recognize and know some of the legal immigrants personally.”

Carey reflected personally on immigration, citing her family’s history. Her mother emigrated from Cuba at the age of seven with her siblings and grandparents, escaping communism in search of a safer future. “It is imperative to uphold the law and support legal immigration to ensure the safety and security of our nation,” she concluded.