Broward Sheriff Defends Immigration Stance Amid AG's Legal Threats

Broward County, Florida, USA - In a heated exchange surrounding immigration enforcement, Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony is standing firm against comments made by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. This back-and-forth was ignited by Tony’s remarks during a June 3 budget workshop, where he stated, “I won’t participate in it,” when discussing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Uthmeier’s subsequent letter seeks clarification on Tony’s apparent downplaying of his office’s responsibilities under Florida law, particularly regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cooperation.

Uthmeier’s letter pointedly challenges Tony on his comments about prioritizing local crime over immigration enforcement. He noted that local law enforcement agencies, like the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), are obliged to support federal immigration enforcement under Florida Statute § 908.104(1). Uthmeier expressed concerns that a lack of compliance could lead to legal repercussions, including possible removal from office by Governor Ron DeSantis, who was copied on the correspondence.

Clarifying Cooperation

In his response, Sheriff Tony emphasized BSO’s ongoing collaboration with ICE, highlighting a joint effort established since 2019. He pointed out three specific agreements between BSO and ICE, including the 287(g) task force that allows trained deputies to participate in federal immigration enforcement.

Despite these agreements, Tony reiterated that immigration enforcement is not a primary concern for his office. He stated, “The patch on our sleeve says Broward County. We are not ICE… I don’t work for the Department of Justice.” Instead, he is dedicated to addressing crime, particularly violent offenses committed by unauthorized aliens, assuring the public that BSO will comply with Florida laws and uphold public safety.

Uthmeier defended his position by referencing high-profile cases involving undocumented immigrants, including the arrest of Carlos Jose Abreau, who pled guilty to voter fraud and gun charges after living under a stolen identity for nearly two decades. He underlined that these violent crimes committed by undocumented individuals raise legitimate concerns about the Sheriff’s stance on immigration enforcement.

Public Safety and Community Priorities

As Sheriff Tony navigates this complex issue, he remains focused on the broader picture of public safety. His commitment to addressing the community’s most pressing needs was clear when he stated, “I will pursue criminals regardless of their nationality” but firmly opposed aggressive immigration tactics that, according to him, overshadow the urgent matters at hand.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal proponent of strict immigration enforcement policies. His lack of public comment on the recent exchanges leaves many questioning the administration’s next steps as tensions rise between state directives and local law enforcement priorities.

With both officials airing their viewpoints publicly, the debate is far from settled. The outcome of this standoff may continue to shape immigration policy and law enforcement practices in Broward County for the foreseeable future.

For more details, you can read further on CBS News here, check the insights from Local 10 News here, and see WSVN’s report here.