Florida’s Attorney General has threatened to remove Orlando’s mayor from office over a city policy that appears to contradict state law prohibiting sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants.
Key Insights
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warns Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer that the city’s “Trust Act” violates state law prohibiting sanctuary cities
- Uthmeier threatens potential removal from office if Mayor Dyer continues to enforce the policy
- The 2018 Orlando Trust Act prohibits city employees from inquiring about immigration status, contradicting 2019 state legislation
- Dyer claims the city respects all immigration laws and has a 287(g) agreement with ICE for officer training
- The conflict highlights tensions between local and state governance on immigration enforcement
Legal Showdown Between State and City Officials
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a stern warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer regarding the city’s immigration policy. The conflict centers on Orlando’s “Trust Act,” passed in 2018, which prohibits city employees and police officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status. This local ordinance stands in direct opposition to Florida’s 2019 state law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which explicitly prohibits sanctuary cities throughout the state. The clash between these two policies has now escalated to the point where state officials are threatening potential removal of the mayor from office.
During an April 7 Orlando City Council meeting, Mayor Dyer reportedly stated that the Orlando Police Department would not proactively enforce immigration laws and would follow the city’s Trust Act. This declaration caught the attention of state officials, who view it as a direct violation of Florida law. The Attorney General’s office responded swiftly, making it clear that any sanctuary policies in Florida municipalities are considered void under state legislation. The timing is particularly significant as immigration remains a divisive national issue heading into an election year.
Serious Consequences Threatened
The Attorney General did not mince words in his communication to Mayor Dyer, explicitly stating the potential consequences for continuing to enforce what the state considers illegal sanctuary policies. Uthmeier’s warning included the possibility of removal from office by Governor DeSantis, a measure that demonstrates the seriousness with which Florida’s state government approaches immigration enforcement. This threat represents one of the most severe potential consequences available under Florida law for local officials who defy state statutes.
“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.” – James Uthmeier
The Attorney General’s office further emphasized that the 2019 state law supersedes any local ordinances or policies that might conflict with it. This legal principle of state preemption over local governance creates a clear hierarchy of authority that the Attorney General is prepared to enforce. For Orlando residents, this conflict represents more than a legal technicality—it potentially affects how law enforcement interacts with immigrant communities and raises questions about local versus state authority in sensitive policy areas.
Mayor Dyer’s Defense
Mayor Dyer has responded to these accusations by asserting that the City of Orlando respects and follows all applicable federal and state immigration laws. In his defense, Dyer pointed to the city’s participation in the 287(g) program, a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that provides specialized training to local law enforcement officers. This agreement, according to Dyer, demonstrates Orlando’s commitment to cooperating with federal immigration authorities rather than obstructing their work.
“I take your letter very seriously and want to assure you that the City of Orlando respects and follows state and federal immigration laws. I do not have any intention of violating federal or state law.” – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
The mayor included documentation of the city’s formal 287(g) Task Force Model Memorandum of Agreement with ICE as evidence of compliance. This agreement allows designated local officers to perform limited immigration enforcement functions under federal authority. Dyer has maintained that the apparent contradiction between the Trust Act and state law represents a misunderstanding rather than deliberate defiance. The mayor has been previously recognized for his progressive stance on social justice issues, including support for immigrant communities.
Sources:
- Florida attorney general threatens ‘removal of office’ for Orlando mayor over immigration policy
- Florida Officials May Remove Sanctuary City Mayor
