Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a warning to city officials in Fort Myers and beyond, emphasizing that rejecting immigration agreements with federal authorities is breaking the law. The Fort Myers City Council recently voted down a 287(g) agreement that would enhance local law enforcement training, leading to concerns about racial profiling and community harm.
Uthmeier stated that the decision may violate Florida’s ban on sanctuary cities and warned of penalties if the decision is not reversed. He mentioned civil penalties and the potential for Governor Ron DeSantis to remove officials from office if they continue to obstruct law enforcement participation in immigration programs.
Republican leaders statewide have urged the governor to take action against the Fort Myers officials. However, Democrats and immigration advocates have criticized the state’s aggressive stance, arguing that immigration reform should come from the federal government, not individual states. They believe that Florida’s actions could erode public trust in law enforcement and violate constitutional principles of state power.
As the situation unfolds, the Fort Myers City Council is set to reconsider the ICE agreement on Friday. Uthmeier remains prepared for a legal battle if necessary, emphasizing that preventing law enforcement from participating in immigration programs could be deemed illegal under Florida’s immigration legislation. The issue highlights a broader debate on state and local cooperation with federal immigration policies and the balance between state autonomy and federal immigration enforcement.
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