TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Legal professional Common James Uthmeier has issued a warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, cautioning that town might face authorized penalties if it continues to implement an immigration coverage that state officers declare violates Florida legislation.
In a letter shared publicly Monday night time on X (previously Twitter), Uthmeier criticized feedback Dyer made throughout an April 7 Metropolis Council assembly. At that assembly, Dyer mentioned the Orlando Police Division would comply with town’s 2018 Belief Act, which bars police and metropolis workers from asking people about their immigration standing. Uthmeier argued that the coverage contradicts a 2019 state legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that prohibits so-called “sanctuary” insurance policies.
At the moment, I despatched a letter to @orlandomayor reminding him that the sanctuary coverage adopted by town in 2018, the ‘Belief Act,’ is void beneath a 2019 legislation signed by @GovRonDeSantis.
If town enforces the coverage as Mayor Dyer prompt, particularly with @OrlandoPolice signing a… pic.twitter.com/InLAJRIDeQ
— Legal professional Common James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) April 14, 2025
“This letter serves as discover that this workplace will take authorized motion in opposition to the Metropolis of Orlando and any metropolis worker or agent thereof that violates Chapter 908 of the Florida Statutes,” Uthmeier wrote. “By prohibiting legislation enforcement officers from inquiring about an individual’s immigration standing, the Metropolis of Orlando is unlawfully implementing a sanctuary coverage and blatantly violating the legislation.”
Uthmeier additional warned that Dyer might face elimination from workplace for noncompliance, citing Part 908.107 of Florida legislation. He concluded the letter by stating, “Sanctuary insurance policies usually are not tolerated or lawful in Florida.”
Mayor Dyer Responds
In response, Mayor Dyer despatched a letter to the legal professional normal affirming town’s dedication to following each state and federal immigration legal guidelines. Dyer acknowledged that neither he nor the Orlando Police Division intends to violate any legal guidelines.
Dyer’s reply additionally included a replica of town’s Memorandum of Settlement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beneath the federal 287(g) program. He famous that Orlando cops are at present receiving ICE coaching to assist federal immigration efforts.
