Key West commissioner ‘stands alone’ in vote to keep ICE partnership

Key West Commissioner Stands Alone in Vote to End Police Agreement with ICE

In a surprising turn of events, Key West city Commissioner Lissette Carey found herself isolated after her colleagues voted to terminate the agreement between the police department and federal immigration authorities. The 287(g) agreement allowed police officers to stop, question, and detain illegal immigrants, but the commission voted 5-1 to void the agreement.

Carey, who was the lone dissenting vote, expressed her shock and disappointment at the decision. She emphasized that she had done thorough research prior to the meeting and was the only member of the Commission who understood the potential consequences of severing the agreement.

The move has already sparked opposition from leaders in Tallahassee, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sending a letter to the commissioners stating that their vote violates state law and effectively makes Key West a “sanctuary city.” Uthmeier warned of potential civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office by the governor, if corrective action is not taken.

Carey, whose family has a history of legal immigration from Cuba, reiterated her support for legal immigration while emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and ensuring public safety. She noted that Key West is not just a liberal town but also home to conservatives who support law enforcement.

Governor Ron DeSantis also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the need for local governments to abide by Florida law. He stated that local officials refusing to work with federal law enforcement put residents at risk and highlighted the importance of deporting dangerous, criminal illegal aliens to make communities safer.

The White House echoed similar sentiments, stating that refusing to cooperate with immigration authorities only poses risks to American citizens living in those jurisdictions. They emphasized the importance of efficiently deporting violent aliens to enhance community safety.

While Key West’s decision to end the agreement with ICE stands out, other Florida cities like Miami have taken the opposite approach. Miami city commissioners recently voted in favor of allowing police officers to work with ICE through their own 287(g) partnership.

The contentious issue highlights the complex interplay between local, state, and federal authorities in immigration enforcement and underscores the challenges of balancing public safety and immigration policies. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Key West and other cities will navigate these issues in the future.