Key West city commissioner Lissette Carey expressed shock at finding herself ‘standing alone’ after her colleagues voted to end a 287(g) agreement that allows local police officers to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The decision, part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration under the Trump administration, has drawn criticism from state officials and prompted threats of legal consequences.
‘I did my research prior to the meeting,’ Carey said, emphasizing that she was the only commissioner who understood the potential risks of severing the agreement. ‘I respected our state and federal government enough to uphold the law.’ However, the vote, which passed with a 5-1 majority, has left Carey disheartened, as she feels the decision ignores the importance of public safety and long-term security for the city.
The move has already met resistance from leaders in Tallahassee, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warning that the city’s decision violates state law and could result in severe penalties, including the removal of commissioners from office. ‘Florida law unequivocally forbids sanctuary cities,’ he wrote in a letter to the commissioners, demanding they reverse course. The governor, Ron DeSantis, also emphasized the importance of abiding by state law, stating that local governments must ‘full participation’ in enforcing federal immigration policies.
Carey, who supports legal immigration and honors the contributions of immigrants to the community, acknowledges the complexities of the issue. ‘Key West is often seen as a carefree, liberal town, but it’s also home to conservatives like me who support law enforcement,’ she said, highlighting the city’s diverse political landscape. However, she remains concerned about the safety of residents and the potential consequences of disengaging from federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Other Florida cities, such as Miami, have taken a different approach. In Miami, city commissioners narrowly voted to allow police to work with ICE by entering into a 287(g) partnership, underscoring the contentious nature of the issue within the state. As the situation develops, the legal and political ramifications for Key West could set a precedent for how local governments handle immigration enforcement in the broader context of federal policies.