KEY WEST, Florida – A coalition of Key West residents, including prominent business owners, respected clergy, and experienced immigration attorneys, is publicly voicing profound concerns regarding the actions of federal immigration agents in the local community. These community leaders allege that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are conducting arrests that are sowing fear and uncertainty, particularly among individuals who possess legal U.S. residency status.
The concerns raised suggest that these local arrests may be part of the broader immigration enforcement and deportation strategy implemented under the Trump administration. Those speaking out emphasize the potential negative impact on the fabric of the Key West community, urging a reassessment of current enforcement practices.
Community Concerns and Outreach
The coalition articulating these fears highlights reports of legal immigrants being targeted in local enforcement actions. They argue that such operations create an atmosphere of anxiety that disrupts daily life and economic activity in Key West. The group has taken a direct step by reaching out to their U.S. Representative, seeking intervention, clarification, and potentially a shift in federal immigration enforcement priorities within the area.
The situation in Key West is viewed against a backdrop of evolving immigration policies and enforcement partnerships across the state of Florida and the nation.
The 287(g) Program Context
A significant point of discussion in the broader context of local immigration enforcement is the controversial 287(g) program. This initiative represents a formal partnership between federal immigration authorities and state or local law enforcement agencies, deputizing local police officers to perform certain functions typically carried out by federal immigration agents, such as identifying and detaining individuals who may be subject to deportation.
The city of Miami recently joined this program, a move that has drawn both support and criticism. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a strong proponent of expanding such partnerships, advocating for increased collaboration between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
National and State Expansion
The 287(g) program has seen a significant expansion during the Trump administration. The number of nationwide 287(g) agreements has more than quadrupled, reaching approximately 650 agreements across the country. This expansion reflects a federal push to involve local law enforcement more directly in immigration enforcement efforts.
Florida has been a key state in this trend. Nearly 250 police agencies within the state, including all 67 county Sheriff’s offices, have signed on to some form of agreement or partnership related to immigration enforcement, including participation in the 287(g) program or similar initiatives like Warrant Service Officer (WSO) programs.
The presence of such widespread partnerships raises questions about the potential for increased local involvement in immigration enforcement activities across Florida, including in communities like Key West, and the implications for residents, regardless of their immigration status.
Local Action and Community Meeting
In response to the growing concerns and the broader context of immigration enforcement partnerships, the Key West Immigrant Support Network is actively mobilizing the community. The network is urging all interested residents to attend a special meeting of the Key West City Commission.
This crucial meeting is scheduled for June 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. The session will be held at Key West City Hall, located at 1300 White Street, Key West, FL 33040. The primary topic of discussion for this special meeting is the local police department’s participation in the 287(g) program. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more, voice their perspectives, and understand the potential implications of such a partnership for the Key West community.
The concerns raised by business owners, clergy, and attorneys underscore the tension between federal immigration enforcement objectives and their impact on local community dynamics and the lives of individuals with legal status.
