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Orlando, FL - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is raising legal alarms over Orlando’s immigration policies, signaling possible consequences for Mayor Buddy Dyer if the city continues to operate under what the state views as “sanctuary” guidelines.
In a letter sent Monday, Uthmeier referenced comments made by Dyer during a recent city council meeting, where the mayor stated that Orlando police would not engage in proactive immigration enforcement, in line with the city's “Trust Act.”
That ordinance, originally passed to limit local involvement in federal immigration matters, is now considered invalid under state law.
Uthmeier pointed to legislation signed in 2019 by Governor Ron DeSantis banning sanctuary city policies statewide, saying Dyer's stance may violate that law.
He warned that continued noncompliance could result in formal legal action — including potential removal from office by the Governor.
Commissioner Patty Sheehan voiced concern over the state’s letter, stating, “Immigrants should be given due process.”
Mayor Dyer responded Tuesday, assuring the Attorney General that Orlando remains in full cooperation with both federal and state laws.
He noted that the city has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement under the 287(g) Task Force Model with ICE.
The agreement allows local officers to support ICE operations following official training.
“Our OPD officers are currently being trained by ICE and will assist as directed,” Dyer stated in his reply. “We will continue doing our best to support the enforcement of all immigration laws.”
This growing conflict highlights the ongoing divide between state and local authorities on immigration enforcement policy.