On June 30, the Key West City Commission voted to pull out of a federal immigration partnership known as 287(g). That vote passed 6–1.
The agreement had allowed local police to help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain and process undocumented immigrants.
Governor Ron DeSantis was not amused.
He quickly reminded the commissioners that Florida law requires cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Florida’s 2022 statute banning sanctuary cities made that crystal clear.
In other words, state law isn’t optional just because your zip code starts with a 3.
So when Key West announced it was stepping away from ICE, Governor DeSantis told reporters on July 1 that the commissioners might be suspended from office.
The press conference took place at the grand opening of Florida’s newest immigration detention center: the colorfully named “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Attorney General James Uthmeier followed up with a formal warning. He wrote to the commissioners explaining they could face civil or even criminal penalties unless they reverse course at a special meeting on July 8.
The Case for Holding the Line
There’s nothing wild about what DeSantis is doing. He’s defending state law, federal cooperation, and the basic idea that elected officials should follow the rules they swore to uphold.
Florida joined more 287(g) agreements than any other state.
That’s not by accident. It’s part of a deliberate push to support federal immigration enforcement.
Without those agreements, local police can’t hold suspects for ICE. Someone with a criminal record could be released right back into the community.
In one prior ICE operation in Florida, more than 1,100 undocumented immigrants were arrested. Nearly two-thirds had previous criminal charges or convictions.
These aren’t just “paperwork” violations.
When a city like Key West opts out, it creates gaps. Those gaps can mean real risks.
Who’s In Charge, Anyway?
Florida law says cities have to cooperate. Not “if they feel like it.” Not “depending on the politics of the day.” Just cooperate.
That’s where this gets bigger than one island city. If Key West gets away with defying the law, other cities might try the same. Fort Myers and Orlando are already hesitating to join 287(g).
But DeSantis has made it clear: that hesitation isn’t going to fly.
A Little Sunshine, A Lot of Scrutiny
Immigration activists say these policies hurt trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Some worry that detentions could become secretive or excessive.
Environmentalists, meanwhile, are concerned about how quickly the state pushed through the construction of Alligator Alcatraz. Lawsuits claim DeSantis sidestepped environmental reviews using emergency powers.
And, yes, some contracts went to campaign donors. That part could use a little daylight.
Still, for many voters, the bigger issue is leadership. DeSantis campaigned on law and order. This is him delivering on that promise.
If the July 8 meeting doesn’t result in a reversal, don’t be surprised if a few Key West commissioners suddenly find themselves with a lot more free time.
The law is the law, even in paradise.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
