Key West Votes to End Local Agreement with ICE Immigration Enforcement

Key Takeaways

• Key West voided its 287(g) agreement with ICE in a 6-1 vote on June 30, 2025, effective July 1.
• The agreement allowed local police to assist ICE in detaining suspected undocumented immigrants under federal law.
• Florida Attorney General signaled possible legal actions against the city over ending the immigration enforcement agreement.

On June 30, 2025, the Key West City Commission made a major decision that will shape the city’s approach to immigration enforcement for years to come. In a 6-1 vote, the commission chose to void its 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ending a partnership that had allowed local police to help federal agents detain suspected undocumented immigrants. This move, which took effect on July 1, 2025, followed weeks of public debate and strong opposition from community members, business owners, and local leaders.

This decision marks a turning point for Key West, a city known for its diverse population and welcoming atmosphere. The commission’s action not only changes how local police interact with federal immigration authorities but also sends a message about the city’s values and priorities. The story of how Key West reached this point, and what it means for residents, businesses, and the broader immigration debate, offers important lessons for communities across the United States 🇺🇸.

What Happened: Key West Ends Its 287(g) Agreement with ICE

The 287(g) agreement is a special contract between local police departments and ICE. Under this agreement, local officers receive training and authority to help enforce federal immigration laws. In March 2025, Key West signed such an agreement, joining a list of cities and counties across the country that have partnered with ICE.

However, the agreement quickly became controversial. Many residents and local leaders argued that it created fear among immigrants, hurt the city’s reputation, and made it harder for police to build trust in the community. At a special meeting on June 30, 2025, dozens of people—including business owners, church leaders, and residents—spoke out against the agreement. After nearly two hours of discussion, the city commission voted 6-1 to void the agreement, making it “void and unenforceable” as of July 1, 2025.

Why Did Key West Void the Agreement?

Several key reasons drove the commission’s decision:

• Community Opposition: Many people in Key West felt the 287(g) agreement was not right for their city. They worried it would lead to racial profiling, discourage immigrants from reporting crimes, and damage the city’s image as a welcoming place.
• Impact on Immigrants: Both undocumented and legal immigrants reported feeling anxious and unsafe because of the agreement. Some said they were afraid to go to work, school, or even call the police if they needed help.
• Business and Religious Concerns: Local business owners and church leaders argued that the agreement was hurting the economy and breaking apart families. They said it was making it harder to attract workers and visitors to Key West.
• Local Control: The city commission, led by Commissioner Samuel Kaufman, stressed that local policy should be based on what’s best for Key West—not on fear of political pressure from outside groups or higher levels of government.

Commissioner Kaufman summed up the commission’s position by saying, “We should not have fear for political retribution as the basis for us as a city determining policy.”

What Is the 287(g) Program?

The 287(g) program is a federal law that lets state and local police departments sign agreements with ICE. These agreements allow local officers to act like immigration agents in certain situations. Officers who join the program get special training from ICE and can help identify, detain, and even start the deportation process for people suspected of being in the country without legal status.

It’s important to know that the 287(g) program is voluntary. Cities and counties can choose whether or not to sign these agreements. They can also decide to end the agreement if they believe it’s not working for their community.

For more details about the 287(g) program and how it works, you can visit the official ICE 287(g) Program page.

How Did the Decision Unfold? Step-by-Step

1. Public Outcry: After the agreement was signed in March 2025, community groups like the Key West Immigrant Support Network began organizing. They held meetings, wrote letters, and encouraged people to speak out.
2. Special Commission Meeting: On June 30, 2025, the city commission held a special meeting to discuss the agreement. Dozens of residents, business owners, and church leaders spoke against the policy. The meeting lasted nearly two hours.
3. Commission Vote: The commission voted 6-1 to void the 287(g) agreement. This meant that, starting July 1, 2025, the agreement would no longer be in effect.
4. Official Resolution: The commission passed a formal resolution making the agreement “void and unenforceable.” This removed the requirement for local police to work with ICE under the 287(g) program.
5. State Response: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded on social media, saying the city would soon be hearing from his office. This suggests the state may take legal or political action against Key West.

What Does This Mean for Key West Police and Immigrants?

With the 287(g) agreement now void, Key West police officers are no longer trained or allowed to act as immigration agents for ICE. Here’s what changes:

• No More ICE Deputization: Local police will not help ICE detain or arrest people just because of their immigration status, unless required by other federal or state laws.
• Focus on Local Policing: Police can focus on keeping the community safe, without getting involved in federal immigration enforcement.
• Reduced Fear: Immigrants—both undocumented and legal residents—are expected to feel safer and more willing to report crimes or cooperate with police.
• Community Trust: The decision is likely to improve trust between law enforcement and the city’s diverse communities.

Heather Slivko-Bathurst, Vice President of the Key West Immigrant Support Network, described the moment as “pivotal,” saying, “We are at one of those pivotal moments in history where we can choose to stand up, speak truth to power, and draw a line in the sand. ICE may be here, but we do not have to go over and above our obligation to assist them.”

What Are the Risks and Challenges?

While many in Key West support the commission’s decision, there are also risks and challenges:

• State Pushback: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has signaled that the state may take legal or political action against the city. This could mean lawsuits, new state laws, or other efforts to force Key West to cooperate with ICE.
• Federal Pressure: The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority. Local officials may face pressure from federal agencies to rejoin the 287(g) program or cooperate in other ways.
• Uncertain Legal Ground: Legal experts point out that while the 287(g) program is voluntary, states sometimes try to override local decisions. This could lead to court battles or changes in state law.

How Does This Affect Businesses and Churches?

Local business owners and church leaders played a big role in the debate over the 287(g) agreement. Many said the policy was hurting the city’s economy and making it harder to attract workers and tourists. They also worried about families being separated and the city’s reputation as a welcoming place.

By ending the agreement, the city hopes to:

• Protect Local Businesses: Reduce worker shortages and keep the local economy strong.
• Support Families: Prevent unnecessary family separations and keep children in school.
• Maintain a Welcoming Image: Show that Key West values diversity and inclusion.

What Do Legal Experts Say?

Legal experts agree that cities like Key West have the right to decide whether to join or leave the 287(g) program. The program is voluntary, and local governments can choose what’s best for their communities. However, states can sometimes pass laws or take legal action to force cities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, legal analysts note that “municipalities have the authority to enter or exit such partnerships, but state governments may attempt to override local decisions through legislation or legal action.”

What Happens Next? Future Outlook

The story isn’t over for Key West. Several things could happen in the coming months:

• Legal Challenges: The Florida Attorney General’s office may file a lawsuit or take other action against the city. This could lead to a court battle over local control and immigration enforcement.
• State Legislation: The state government could try to pass new laws requiring cities to cooperate with ICE.
• Other Cities Watching: Key West’s decision could inspire other cities in Florida and across the United States 🇺🇸 to reconsider their own 287(g) agreements.
• Community Impact: The decision is expected to improve trust between police and immigrants, but it may also bring increased attention from state and federal authorities.

Common Questions and Concerns

Will local police still work with ICE?
No. Unless required by other federal or state laws, Key West police will not help ICE with immigration enforcement.

Could the city face legal trouble?
Yes. The city may face lawsuits or other challenges from the state of Florida.

How will this affect immigrants in Key West?
The decision should make immigrants feel safer and more willing to work with police. It may also reduce fear and anxiety in the community.

What about other cities in Florida?
Key West’s move could set an example for other cities. Some may choose to end their own 287(g) agreements, while others may face similar debates.

Key Dates and Facts

Here’s a summary of the most important events:

What Should Residents and Immigrants Do Now?

If you live in Key West or are part of the local immigrant community, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Key West City Commission and local news sources.
• Know Your Rights: Learn about your rights when interacting with police or immigration officials. Many community organizations offer free resources and workshops.
• Report Problems: If you experience discrimination or have concerns about police actions, contact local advocacy groups or city officials.
• Support Each Other: Businesses, churches, and neighbors can work together to support those affected by immigration policies.

Where to Find More Information

• Key West City Commission: For meeting minutes, resolutions, and contact information, visit the official city website.
• Key West Immigrant Support Network: Connect with local advocacy groups through community organizations or social media.
• Florida Attorney General’s Office: For official statements and updates, visit myfloridalegal.com.

Final Thoughts

The Key West City Commission’s decision to end its 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a major change in how the city handles immigration enforcement. By listening to residents, business owners, and community leaders, the commission chose to put local needs and values first. While the move brings hope for greater trust and safety in Key West, it also opens the door to possible legal and political battles with state and federal authorities.

As the situation develops, Key West’s experience will be closely watched by other cities across the United States 🇺🇸. The outcome could shape the future of local control over immigration enforcement and the relationship between communities and law enforcement for years to come.

Learn Today

287(g) Agreement → A voluntary contract allowing local police to assist ICE with immigration enforcement under federal training and authority.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and investigations.
Local Control → The authority of city governments to set policies and decisions independently from state or federal mandates.
Deportation Process → Legal procedures to remove individuals from the U.S. who are found to be unlawfully present.
Federal Immigration Laws → National laws governing the entry, stay, and removal of non-citizens in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

Key West ended its controversial 287(g) agreement with ICE, prioritizing community trust over immigration enforcement. This historic decision reduces fear among immigrants, challenges federal partnerships, and may inspire similar moves nationwide. Conflicts with state authorities could follow as Key West asserts local control over immigration policies in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com