Key West City Commission Greenlights Controversial ICE Agreement

Key West, Florida, USA - In a heated session that lasted nearly three hours, Key West City Commission took a pivotal step on July 8, 2025. By a vote of 4-2, they reinstated their participation in the controversial 287(g) program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This resolution allows local law enforcement officials to receive training to assist in immigration operations and has quickly polarized the community.

The resolution, sponsored by Mayor Danise Henriquez, was met with widespread public concern. Many residents voiced objections, expressing fears over potential racial profiling and eroding trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. This comes on the heels of a June 30 vote where the Commission overwhelmingly rejected a similar agreement, previously signed without proper approval by Police Chief Sean Brandenburg, by a vote of 6-1. Following that decision, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the city of possible legal repercussions if they continued to void agreements with ICE, creating a nervous climate for local leaders.

Community Divide

Key West has long been a beacon for immigrants, rich in diversity and cultural vibrancy. However, the recent vote to support the 287(g) agreement has revealed the fissures that exist among residents. Many community members, local business owners, and church leaders argue that the 287(g) agreement undermines the city’s reputation and safety. They raised alarms that it could lead to discrimination against immigrants, harming both family unity and the local economy. Comments from residents attending the meeting illustrated this sentiment, as many implored the Commission to maintain their stance against the ICE collaboration.

Only a week earlier, the atmosphere had been celebratory as the Commission’s vote to void the earlier agreement was met with a standing ovation. This swift turnaround in policy has many questioning the motivations behind the recent resolutions. Some believe that political pressure from the state and a desire for compliance are forcing the Commission’s hand. Others interpret this as a retreat from civic responsibility in protecting vulnerable populations, calling for reassessment of the city’s priorities.

What Lies Ahead?

Despite the approval of the 287(g) agreement, the atmosphere remains charged. The city must navigate a complex landscape filled with potential state backlash. Some members of the Commission, like Monica Haskell, argued that the decision lacked the consensus required for such a significant change, especially with members participating remotely during the meeting. Haskell called for postponement of the vote until the resolution of a legal challenge against the 287(g) agreement initiated by South Miami. However, the amendment was decisively rejected, highlighting the divisions among city leaders.

As Key West grapples with these escalating tensions, the implications of the latest 287(g) agreement could set a precedent for how local communities handle similar immigration-related issues. The police will now assist ICE only under specific conditions, meaning many residents may feel a mixture of relief and frustration, knowing that immigrant rights remain at risk amid enforced policy changes.

The voices of Key West residents continue to resonate, stressing the importance of community unity and resistance against potentially harmful policies. Whether the city can reconcile these competing interests while respecting the rights of all its inhabitants remains to be seen. As local business leaders and church groups unite in protest, it’s clear—the debate over the heart and soul of Key West has only just begun.

For more details on these developments, you may refer to the articles published by Florida Politics, VisaVerge, and Local 10 News.