Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened to remove Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer from office for maintaining a sanctuary city policy that directly violates state law, creating a high-stakes showdown over immigration enforcement in the Sunshine State.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s Attorney General has warned Orlando’s Mayor that enforcing the city’s “Trust Act” could lead to his removal from office.
- The 2018 Trust Act prohibits city employees from asking about immigration status, which conflicts with a 2019 state law banning sanctuary cities.
- Mayor Dyer claims compliance with immigration laws, citing the city’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, but reportedly stated police would not proactively enforce immigration laws.
- Governor Ron DeSantis has authority to remove local officials who knowingly defy state immigration enforcement laws.
- The conflict represents a broader struggle between progressive urban policies and Florida’s conservative state leadership on immigration enforcement.
State Officials Draw Line on Immigration Enforcement
The confrontation began after an April 7 Orlando City Council meeting where Mayor Dyer reportedly stated that Orlando Police would not proactively enforce federal immigration laws and would follow the city’s Trust Act. The 2018 Trust Act effectively designates Orlando as a sanctuary city by prohibiting city employees and police officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status during routine interactions. This policy directly contradicts Florida’s 2019 law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis that explicitly prohibits sanctuary jurisdictions throughout the state.
Attorney General Uthmeier didn’t mince words in his letter to Dyer, making it clear that the Trust Act holds no legal weight under Florida law. He emphasized that maintaining sanctuary policies could trigger serious consequences, including potential removal from office by the governor. This threat demonstrates the DeSantis administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement, consistent with its broader efforts to combat illegal immigration at the state level despite federal inaction.
Mayor Dyer Claims Compliance Amid Controversy
Mayor Dyer, who has been recognized by the NBA as a “social justice game changer,” quickly responded to the Attorney General’s warnings by claiming that Orlando respects both state and federal immigration laws. In his defense, Dyer provided documentation showing that Orlando police officers receive training through a 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which allows local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities under specific circumstances.
“Sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida. Failure to abide by state law may result in the enforcement of applicable penalties, including but not limited to being held in contempt, declaratory or injunctive relief, and removal from office by the Governor.” – James Uthmeier
Despite these assurances, the fundamental contradiction remains unresolved. While claiming compliance with immigration laws, Dyer simultaneously stands by a policy that inherently limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This policy directly contradicts Florida’s explicit ban on sanctuary jurisdictions, creating a legal quagmire that state officials appear unwilling to ignore. The claim of having a 287(g) agreement while maintaining aspects of a sanctuary policy represents a contradictory approach that state officials view as unacceptable.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy in Florida
This conflict reflects the ongoing battle between progressive urban centers and conservative state governments over immigration enforcement. While left-leaning city officials often implement policies to protect illegal immigrants from deportation, Florida’s leadership has made it abundantly clear that such approaches won’t be tolerated. The DeSantis administration has consistently prioritized enforcement of immigration laws, viewing it as essential to public safety and the rule of law, especially as the Biden administration’s border policies have led to record illegal crossings.
“Today, I sent a letter to @orlandomayor reminding him that the sanctuary policy adopted by the city in 2018, the ‘Trust Act,’ is void under a 2019 law signed by @GovRonDeSantis. If the city enforces the policy as Mayor Dyer suggested, especially with @OrlandoPolice signing a 287(g) agreement with ICE, there will be consequences.” – James Uthmeier
The threat to remove Mayor Dyer from office demonstrates the high stakes of this confrontation. Under Florida law, Governor DeSantis has the authority to suspend elected officials for malfeasance or neglect of duty, a power he has not hesitated to use against officials who defy state policies. As this situation unfolds, it will likely set important precedents for other Florida municipalities that might consider implementing policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, sending a clear message that in Florida, state law supersedes local progressive agendas when it comes to immigration enforcement.
Sources:
- Florida attorney general threatens ‘removal of office’ for Orlando mayor over immigration policy
- Florida Officials May Remove Sanctuary City Mayor
