TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Democratic Mayor Jane Castor has rescinded controversial police division insurance policies after a high-stakes standoff with Florida Legal professional Common James Uthmeier, who had threatened to have the mayor faraway from workplace over “sanctuary” practices.
In a letter despatched to the lawyer normal’s workplace on Monday, Castor confirmed that the Tampa Police Division has a “revised coverage that removes the language of concern.” The mayor said that the town intends to distribute the up to date pointers to officers “efficient instantly.”
The swift reversal follows a March 11 ultimatum from Uthmeier, who alleged that TPD pointers restricted officers from sharing the immigration standing of crime victims or witnesses with federal authorities. Uthmeier argued these restrictions violated Florida’s ban on sanctuary cities and gave Castor till March 31 to conform or face potential suspension from workplace by the governor.
“Mayor Castor is not forcing sanctuary insurance policies on Tampa PD, and the town is revoking the coverage instantly,” Uthmeier stated Monday on X. “Florida is proud to be the Trump admin’s primary companion on immigration enforcement, and native officers won’t impede enforcement of the legislation!”
In her response, Castor emphasised that the Metropolis of Tampa had no intention of violating state or federal legislation and would proceed to assist the enforcement of immigration statutes.
The revised coverage now explicitly aligns with Florida Statute 908.104, which governs cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Whereas Florida legislation usually prohibits native businesses from impeding federal immigration enforcement, it does embody particular provisions stating that businesses usually are not required to share info concerning victims or witnesses who’re actively cooperating in a legal prosecution.
The lawyer normal had beforehand dismissed the town’s argument that such protections had been essential to encourage witnesses to return ahead, stating that the legislation expects “finest efforts” in imposing federal immigration requirements.
With the coverage formally revoked, the rapid menace of Castor’s removing seems to have subsided. Nonetheless, the lawyer normal’s workplace indicated it would stay vigilant in guaranteeing native jurisdictions act as “companions” to federal authorities within the state’s broader immigration enforcement efforts.
