Florida attorney general warns fort myers over ‘sanctuary city’ status

FORT MYERS, FL — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is demanding immediate action from the Fort Myers City Council, warning that their recent vote against a federal immigration enforcement program violates state law.

In a letter sent Tuesday, Uthmeier condemned the council’s March 17 decision to reject the Fort Myers Police Department’s participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows local officers to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws. The attorney general said the move directly contradicts Florida law, which prohibits local governments from enacting policies that interfere with federal immigration enforcement.

“This action constitutes a serious and direct violation of Florida law,” Uthmeier wrote, citing Section 908.103 of Florida Statutes. The law bars local governments from implementing any policy that restricts cooperation with federal immigration authorities. According to the letter, Fort Myers’ rejection of the 287(g) agreement implicitly establishes a sanctuary policy by preventing local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws or participating in related operations.

Uthmeier warned that the city must take immediate corrective action or face state intervention. His office has not specified what penalties or measures the state could take if Fort Myers does not reverse its decision. However, Florida law allows the governor and state agencies to impose sanctions on municipalities that fail to comply with immigration enforcement laws.

The attorney general reiterated his stance in a social media post, publicly calling out city officials for their decision. “Sanctuary policies are illegal in Florida. Your vote last night makes you a sanctuary city. Fix this problem or face the consequences,” Uthmeier wrote on X, formerly Twitter. His statement has fueled political tensions, with supporters praising his firm stance on immigration enforcement while critics argue that local governments should have discretion in handling such matters.

City officials have yet to issue a formal response to Uthmeier’s letter or indicate whether they plan to reconsider their vote. The council’s decision has sparked debate among residents, with some supporting stronger immigration enforcement and others advocating for local control over policing policies.

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