Key Takeaways
• Key West initially ended its ICE 287(g) agreement in July 2025 but reinstated it after state pressure.
• Florida law mandates local police cooperation with ICE, risking penalties for non-compliant city officials.
• Undocumented immigrants face higher risks of detention as local police continue enforcing immigration laws.
In early July 2025, Key West found itself at the center of a heated immigration debate that quickly drew statewide and national attention. The city commission’s initial decision to end its participation in the federal ICE 287(g) program, followed by a rapid reversal under state pressure, has left many residents, immigrants, and officials wondering what comes next. This update explains what changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what the implications are for pending and future immigration cases in Key West.
Summary of What Changed
- Initial Decision: The Key West City Commission voted 5-1 to end the city’s participation in the ICE 287(g) agreement. This agreement allows local police to work directly with federal immigration officers to identify and detain people who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status.
- Immediate Backlash: State officials, led by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, warned that this move violated Florida’s strict anti-sanctuary city law. The law requires all local governments to help enforce federal immigration rules.
- Emergency Reversal: Facing threats of civil and criminal penalties—including possible removal from office—the commission held an emergency meeting. On July 8, 2025, they voted 4-2 to reinstate the 287(g) agreement, restoring cooperation with ICE.
Who Is Affected
- Undocumented Immigrants in Key West: The reinstatement of the 287(g) agreement means local police will continue to work closely with ICE. This increases the risk of detention and deportation for people without legal immigration status.
- City Officials: Any city official who tries to block cooperation with ICE could face removal from office and other penalties under Florida law.
- Local Residents and Businesses: The controversy has created tension in the community, with protests and strong opinions on both sides. Some residents worry about public safety, while others are concerned about the well-being of immigrant families.
- Pending Immigration Cases: People with ongoing immigration cases in Key West may face increased scrutiny or faster ICE involvement if they come into contact with local police.
Effective Dates and Timeline
- Early July 2025: Key West commission votes to end 287(g) agreement.
- July 8, 2025: Emergency meeting reverses the decision; 287(g) agreement is reinstated.
- Ongoing: Florida continues to enforce its anti-sanctuary city law, and federal officials are watching for any signs of non-compliance.
Required Actions for Affected Groups
For Immigrants and Their Families:
– Stay Informed: Know your rights if stopped or questioned by police. Local police in Key West will continue to check immigration status and may contact ICE.
– Seek Legal Help: If you or a family member is undocumented or has a pending immigration case, consult a trusted immigration attorney or local legal aid group. Organizations like the Hope CommUnity Center in Central Florida offer support and resources.
– Prepare Documents: Keep important documents, such as identification and proof of residence, in a safe place. Make a plan for your family in case of detention.
– Avoid Unnecessary Police Contact: Even minor infractions can lead to ICE involvement under the 287(g) program.
For City Officials and Employees:
– Follow State Law: All city employees must comply with Florida’s anti-sanctuary city law. Any action seen as blocking ICE cooperation could result in serious penalties.
– Communicate Clearly: Make sure all staff understand the requirements of the 287(g) agreement and the consequences of non-compliance.
For Employers and Community Leaders:
– Support Employees: Employers should be aware that workers may be affected by increased immigration enforcement. Provide information about legal resources and support.
– Promote Community Dialogue: Encourage open conversations about public safety, immigration, and community trust.
Implications for Pending and Future Applications
For Immigration Applications:
– No Direct Change to Application Process: The reversal in Key West does not change the federal immigration application process itself. However, increased cooperation with ICE means that any contact with local police could lead to immigration enforcement actions, even for people with pending applications.
– Risk of Detention: People waiting for decisions on asylum, green cards, or other status changes should be aware that being arrested or even stopped by police could result in ICE involvement.
– Legal Representation: Having a lawyer or accredited representative is more important than ever. They can help protect your rights and guide you through any interactions with law enforcement or ICE.
For Local Law Enforcement:
– Continued ICE Collaboration: Police in Key West will keep working with ICE under the 287(g) agreement. Officers will be trained to identify and process people who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status.
– Reporting Requirements: The city must regularly report its cooperation with ICE to state officials to avoid being labeled a sanctuary city.
Legal and Policy Context
Florida’s Ban on Sanctuary Cities
– Since 2019, Florida law has banned sanctuary cities. This means every city and county must help enforce federal immigration laws and cannot adopt policies that limit cooperation with ICE.
– In February 2025, the Florida legislature passed a new bill making these requirements even stricter. Local governments now have more responsibility to work with ICE and face tougher penalties for non-compliance.
Federal Pressure
– On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publicly identify cities and counties that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration law.
– DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has since published lists of these jurisdictions and sent formal warnings, demanding immediate changes.
ICE 287(g) Program Explained
– The 287(g) program is a partnership between ICE and local police. It allows trained local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties, such as checking immigration status and starting deportation proceedings.
– Ending participation in 287(g) can be seen as refusing to help enforce immigration law, which is not allowed under Florida law.
Key West’s Brief Move Toward Sanctuary City Status
– When the Key West commission voted to end the 287(g) agreement, many saw it as a step toward becoming a sanctuary city. This is a city that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
– However, Florida law makes sanctuary cities illegal. The quick reversal shows how little freedom local governments have to set their own immigration policies.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Supporters of Strict Enforcement
– Argue that working with ICE keeps communities safe and upholds the rule of law.
– Believe that cities must follow state and federal rules, no matter what local leaders or residents think.
Immigrant Advocates
– Warn that strict enforcement policies create fear in immigrant communities.
– Say that people may be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police if they worry about being turned over to ICE.
– Point out that families can be separated and children left without parents when local police work closely with ICE.
Legal Experts
– Note that Florida’s laws give cities almost no room to limit cooperation with ICE.
– Say that any move toward sanctuary city status could bring lawsuits, fines, or removal from office for city leaders.
Community Impact and Public Response
Tension and Protests
– The reversal in Key West has led to protests and public meetings, with many residents speaking out on both sides.
– Some people support the city’s decision to follow state law, while others are angry about the impact on immigrant families.
Trust in Police
– Immigrant advocates worry that trust between police and the community will suffer. If people are afraid of being deported, they may not report crimes or help police solve cases.
Business and Tourism
– Key West is a major tourist destination. Some business owners worry that negative publicity or community tension could hurt tourism and the local economy.
Legal Challenges and Future Outlook
South Miami Lawsuit
– The City of South Miami is suing the state of Florida, arguing that cities should not be forced to join the 287(g) program or be labeled sanctuary cities if they choose not to.
– The outcome of this lawsuit could affect how much control other cities, including Key West, have over their own immigration policies.
Continued State and Federal Pressure
– Florida’s government and the Trump administration are expected to keep pushing for strict immigration enforcement.
– More executive orders, public lists of non-compliant cities, and legal actions are likely in the coming months.
What to Watch For
– Court Decisions: The results of the South Miami lawsuit and any other legal challenges could change how cities work with ICE in the future.
– Policy Changes: New laws or executive orders could make requirements even stricter or introduce new penalties.
– Community Response: Ongoing protests, public meetings, and advocacy efforts will shape the local conversation about immigration and public safety.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
For Immigrants in Key West:
– Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if stopped by police or ICE. Many organizations offer free “Know Your Rights” workshops and materials.
– Stay Connected: Join local community groups or faith organizations that offer support and information.
– Plan Ahead: Make emergency plans for your family, including who will care for children if a parent is detained.
For Residents and Community Leaders:
– Stay Informed: Follow updates from the City of Key West and trusted news sources.
– Support Dialogue: Encourage respectful conversations about immigration, safety, and community values.
For City Officials:
– Document Compliance: Keep clear records of all actions taken to comply with state and federal law.
– Engage with the Community: Listen to concerns from all residents, including immigrants, and provide clear information about city policies.
Official Resources
- City of Key West: For meeting schedules, contact details, and policy updates, visit keywestcity.com.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): For information about the 287(g) program and immigration enforcement, see the official ICE website.
- Florida Attorney General’s Office: For legal guidance and official statements, visit myfloridalegal.com.
- Legal Aid: Organizations like the Hope CommUnity Center in Central Florida provide help for immigrants facing legal challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Key West remains fully compliant with Florida’s anti-sanctuary city law after reversing its decision to end the ICE 287(g) agreement.
- Local police will continue to work with ICE, increasing risks for undocumented immigrants.
- City officials must follow state law or face serious penalties.
- Community tension is high, with ongoing protests and strong opinions on both sides.
- Legal challenges are underway that could affect future city policies across Florida.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Key West highlights the strict enforcement environment in Florida and the limited choices local governments have regarding immigration policy. Anyone affected by these changes should seek trusted legal advice and stay informed about further developments. For the most current information on the ICE 287(g) program and how it may affect you, visit the official ICE 287(g) program page.
By understanding these changes and taking practical steps, residents, immigrants, and officials in Key West can better prepare for the challenges ahead.
Learn Today
ICE 287(g) Program → A partnership allowing trained local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws in collaboration with ICE.
Sanctuary City → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often protecting undocumented immigrants from detention.
Anti-Sanctuary City Law → Florida legislation requiring local governments to cooperate fully with ICE and forbidding sanctuary policies.
Detention → The act of holding an individual in custody pending immigration enforcement or legal processes.
Executive Order → A directive from the President that manages operations of the federal government including immigration enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
In July 2025, Key West’s brief move to end the ICE 287(g) program sparked statewide backlash. Under Florida’s strict anti-sanctuary law, the city reinstated cooperation with ICE, increasing enforcement risks for undocumented immigrants and forcing city officials to comply or face penalties.
— By VisaVerge.com
