Florida AG Targets Orlando Mayor Amid Sanctuary City Controversy

US flag and Immigration Customs Enforcement document

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened to remove Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer from office over the city’s contested “Trust Act” which state officials say violates Florida’s ban on sanctuary cities.

Quick Takes

Attorney General James Uthmeier warns Orlando’s Mayor that the city’s “Trust Act” violates state law banning sanctuary cities.
The “Trust Act” prohibits city employees and police from inquiring about immigration status, making Orlando effectively a sanctuary city.
Mayor Dyer claims the city respects all immigration laws, pointing to Orlando police training with ICE under a 287(g) agreement.
Uthmeier threatens potential removal from office if Dyer continues enforcing policies deemed illegal under state law.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between state and local authorities over immigration enforcement responsibilities.

State Officials Warn of Legal Consequences

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a stern warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer regarding the city’s immigration policies. In a formal letter, Uthmeier stated that Orlando’s “Trust Act,” implemented in 2018, violates a 2019 Florida law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis that explicitly bans sanctuary cities within the state. The Attorney General emphasized that any continued enforcement of these policies could result in significant consequences for Mayor Dyer, including potential removal from office by the Governor, contempt charges, or other legal remedies available under state law.

“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.” – Source

The conflict intensified following an April 7 Orlando City Council meeting where Dyer reportedly stated that the Orlando Police Department would not proactively enforce immigration laws and would continue following the Trust Act. This statement prompted Uthmeier’s official response, asserting that such a stance directly contradicts state legislation prohibiting sanctuary policies. Uthmeier’s warning has escalated what was already a contentious issue into a direct confrontation between state and municipal authorities.

The Trust Act and Its Implications

Orlando’s Trust Act, established in 2018, restricts city employees and police officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status during routine interactions. The practical effect of this policy limits local law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants. State officials argue this effectively designates Orlando as a sanctuary city, a status that became illegal when Governor DeSantis signed legislation in 2019 expressly prohibiting such designations by municipalities within Florida.

Dyer, who has served as Orlando’s mayor since 2003, has built a reputation for supporting progressive causes. He was previously recognized by the NBA as a “social justice game changer” for his stance on various social issues, including immigration. Critics suggest that his continued support for the Trust Act represents a deliberate challenge to state authority, while supporters maintain that the policy simply aims to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities without violating state or federal law.

Mayor Dyer’s Response

In response to the Attorney General’s allegations, Mayor Dyer has strongly defended the city’s practices, insisting that Orlando respects both Florida and federal immigration laws. In his formal reply, Dyer stated that he takes the Attorney General’s concerns “very seriously” but maintained that the city does not “have any intention of violating federal or state law.” To support his position, the mayor included documentation showing that Orlando police officers receive training to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) Task Force Model Memorandum of Agreement.

“sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida”

The 287(g) program enables state and local law enforcement to partner with ICE in identifying and processing removable aliens who have been arrested for criminal violations at the local level. Dyer contends that this cooperation demonstrates Orlando’s compliance with immigration enforcement requirements. However, state officials argue that participation in the 287(g) program does not negate the fundamental conflict created by the Trust Act’s restrictions on asking about immigration status – a key tool in identifying individuals who may be subject to federal immigration enforcement.

Broader Implications for Florida Cities

This confrontation between Florida’s Attorney General and Orlando’s Mayor highlights the increasing tensions between state and local governments over immigration enforcement responsibilities. Similar disputes have emerged in other states where sanctuary policies have been implemented by municipalities despite state prohibitions. The outcome of this conflict could establish a precedent for how such disputes are resolved in Florida and potentially influence similar situations across the country where state and local authorities find themselves at odds over immigration enforcement.

Governor DeSantis has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his administration, positioning Florida as a leader in implementing strict policies against illegal immigration. The potential removal of a major city’s mayor over immigration policy would represent a significant escalation in the state’s enforcement approach. For Orlando residents and businesses, the resolution of this dispute could have substantial implications for how local law enforcement interacts with immigrant communities and federal authorities in carrying out their duties.