Newou can listen to Fox News articles!
The Florida city commissioner said he was shocked that he was “standing alone” after a colleague from the state’s southernmost municipality voted this week to end an agreement between the police department and federal immigration authorities.
Key West City commissioner Reset Carry told Fox News Digital that he has considered the potential consequences of cutting the 287(g) contract.
“I did my research before the meeting,” Carrie said. “I was the only member of the committee and I respected the outcome and respected our state and federal government enough to support the law.”
DeSantis administration threatens to punish island cities for votes to end police agreements with ICE
On Tuesday, an image of the aerial scenery in Key West, Florida, city leaders voted to end their partnership with immigration authorities. One commissioner, Reset Carry, voted against voiding the contract. (istock)
With a 5-1 vote, the committee voted to override the agreement. This is a move that took place amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and nationwide mass expulsion operations.
“I was deeply troubled by a lack of understanding and a disregard for the safety, safety and long-term happiness of our city,” Carrie said. “I was disappointed and candidly shocked to realize that I was standing alone in recognizing the importance of supporting this agreement, as I voted first on this issue.”
The move has already received opposition from leaders in Tallahassee’s capital.
Florida Attorney General James Usmierer said in a committee letter Wednesday that their vote violated state law and essentially made Key West a “city of sanctuary.”
“Florida law explicitly prohibits sanctuary cities,” Usmeyer wrote, requiring city leaders to reverse courses. “No corrective action will be taken, all applicable civil and criminal penalties will be enforced, including removal from duties by the governor.”
Big cities sign up to deal with ice: “Keeping Americans safe”
Reset Carry, a leading Western Commissioner, was the only opposition vote when the city nullified the agreement to work with immigration authorities. (City of Key West)
He added that if they don’t reverse the course, they could face removal from the office.
Carrie, who arrived in Key West from Cuba in the 1950s with her mother and grandparents, said she was in support of legal immigration.
“I am proud of my legacy and respect the many contributions that immigrants make to our community,” she said. “But I also believe in following the law to ensure public safety.”
“Key West is often seen as a carefree and liberal town, but it is also home to conservatives like me who support law enforcement,” Carrie added.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the issue was about following state law.
Florida AG takes a “winning lap” after Blue City says it won’t violate the sanctuary ban
“I think the Attorney General has put pressure on it, so I’ll have him do an analysis and send him a warning that needs to be sent,” DeSantis said at the opening of the new “Wannial Catraz” immigration detention centre in the Everglades.
“But the reality is that you are responsible for full participation,” he added. “And you can signal virtue and try to make a political statement, but the reality is that local governments must comply with Florida law.”
A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital that choosing not to work with the Immigration Bureau is only putting residents at risk to those municipalities.
“Local officials who refuse to work with federal law enforcement will not halt the Trump administration’s mission to remove dangerous, criminal and illegal foreigners from American communities,” the spokesman said. “It’s just that American citizens live in their jurisdiction and quickly and efficiently deport violent aliens makes all American communities safer.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
Other Florida cities did the opposite. In Miami, the mayor voted significantly in favor last month to allow police officers to work with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by entering their own 287(g) partnership.
Source link