Tensions flared and emotions ran high at a packed Key West City Hall Tuesday as city commissioners revisited their stance on cooperating with federal immigration enforcement under the controversial 287g agreement.
The agreement, which allows local law enforcement to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE in immigration-related arrests, was signed by the city's police chief in March - without the approval or input of the city commission.
That changed last week, when Key West commissioners voted to void the agreement , drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
But the move drew swift backlash from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, whose office sent a warning letter to the city stating that failure to comply with the program could result in civil or criminal penalties for the commission, including potential removal from office.
The commission is now deciding how to move forward.