Florida AG Takes Legal Stand Against Orlando’s Controversial City Status

Sanctuary City sign with palm trees and sky.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier threatens to remove Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer from office over the city’s alleged sanctuary policies, setting up a legal showdown over immigration enforcement in the Sunshine State.

Key Takeaways

Attorney General Uthmeier claims Orlando’s “Trust Act” violates Florida’s 2019 sanctuary city ban and has threatened Mayor Dyer with removal from office
The Trust Act, implemented in 2018, prohibits city employees and police from inquiring about immigration status
Mayor Dyer denies violating state law, citing Orlando’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) training program
The conflict highlights tensions between local governance and state authority on immigration enforcement
Governor Ron DeSantis has authority to remove local officials who violate state immigration laws

State and Local Officials Clash Over Immigration Policy

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a stern warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, claiming the city’s “Trust Act” policy designates Orlando as a sanctuary city in violation of state law. The conflict erupted after Dyer reportedly stated during an April 7 City Council meeting that the Orlando Police Department would not proactively enforce immigration laws. Uthmeier’s letter to Dyer specifically cited Orlando’s 2018 Trust Act, which prohibits city employees and police officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status during routine interactions.

Uthmeier’s position is unequivocal, stating that the Trust Act has been void since 2019 when Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation prohibiting sanctuary cities throughout Florida. The Attorney General’s letter leaves little room for interpretation regarding the state’s stance on the matter.

“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

Mayor Dyer Denies Sanctuary City Allegations

Mayor Dyer has responded to the accusations by insisting that Orlando respects and follows both state and federal immigration laws. In his rebuttal, Dyer specifically referenced Orlando’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) program, which provides training to local law enforcement officers to assist federal immigration authorities. The mayor included documentation of the city’s memorandum of agreement with ICE as evidence of compliance with immigration enforcement requirements.

Dyer stated that he takes the Attorney General’s concerns “very seriously” but firmly denied any intention to violate immigration laws. The mayor’s position appears to be that Orlando’s policies do not constitute a sanctuary designation but rather reflect priorities for local law enforcement resources while maintaining cooperation with federal authorities.

“I take your concerns very seriously,” Dyer wrote. “Please know that neither I, the Orlando City Council, nor city staff have any intention of violating federal or state law.” – Source

Political and Legal Implications

The confrontation between Uthmeier and Dyer highlights the ongoing tension between state and local governments over immigration enforcement authority. Under Florida law passed in 2019, local officials who implement sanctuary policies can face serious consequences. The Attorney General’s letter explicitly mentioned that Governor DeSantis has the authority to remove Dyer from office if Orlando is found to be enforcing sanctuary policies that violate state law.

Dyer, who has served as Orlando’s mayor since 2003, has previously been recognized as a “social justice game changer” by the NBA, suggesting his policy priorities may align with progressive urban centers rather than the more conservative state government. The dispute underscores the broader national debate over immigration enforcement jurisdiction and the appropriate role of local police in federal immigration matters.

The Attorney General’s threat of removal marks a significant escalation in Florida’s enforcement of its anti-sanctuary city law. As this legal standoff develops, it could establish precedent for similar conflicts between state authorities and local governments across Florida and potentially influence immigration policy enforcement nationwide.