The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, issued a direct warning to Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony after he publicly stated that immigration is not a priority for his department.
The warning came in a formal letter in which Uthmeier reminded Tony that, according to state law, he is obligated to cooperate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to enforce federal immigration regulations.
In the letter, dated this Monday, Uthmeier reminded the sheriff that, according to Florida law, he is required to cooperate with federal authorities in the enforcement of immigration policies.
"The obligation to support ICE and enforce federal immigration law is not optional; it is a duty under Florida law. Those who fail to comply with the law will be detained..." warned the prosecutor.
Origin of the controversy
Uthmeier's reaction came after comments made by Sheriff Tony during a meeting of the Broward County Commission on June 3rd.
In that meeting, Tony made it clear that immigration is not a priority for his office.
"We have other priorities in this community that I focus on, and immigration is not one of them," he said.
"Without downplaying its significance, we have encountered case after case just a few months ago to demonstrate why it is important for us, as law enforcement agents, to focus on criminal components rather than administrative ones in immigration matters," he added.
Tony was even more straightforward in rejecting raids or persecution of non-violent immigrants:
"I don't care what country you're from; if you commit a crime in this country or in this county, I will come for you, but I refuse to accept the idea that we have to go door to door, arresting kids, going to daycare centers or restaurants and taking people who have been paying taxes and contributing positively to this society, regardless of whether they are U.S. citizens or not. It is not our business, it is not our responsibility, and I will not participate in it."
The response from the attorney general
The attorney general interpreted these statements as a possible violation of state law, specifically Florida Statute 908.104(1), which requires local law enforcement agencies to "do everything possible" to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
"I would hope that your statements are merely political posturing, but if they are not, your positions would constitute a violation of your legal obligation to do everything possible to support the enforcement of federal immigration law.", wrote Uthmeier.
"His contradictory statements suggest that he misunderstands or intends to violate these requirements of Florida law," he added.
He even warned that this non-compliance could have serious consequences, such as "precautionary and declaratory measures, contempt, or removal from office by the Governor."
Uthmeier also cited recent cases of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in Broward County, including a case from March 2025 where Carlos José Abreau, a Dominican citizen, was convicted of electoral fraud and possession of weapons.
He also mentioned a human trafficking case in December 2024, involving 11 Chinese citizens near Fort Lauderdale.
He also referenced the arrest of a Brazilian citizen in the fall of 2024, accused of sexual assault in Deerfield Beach.
"Given these realities, I am not clear why 'immigration' would not be one of your priorities", stated Uthmeier.
Tony defends his record and reaffirms his stance
In a response letter sent that Monday, Sheriff Tony defended his record and reaffirmed his commitment to Florida law.
"Allow me to assure you that, as the sheriff of Broward County, I appreciate and understand my responsibilities under Florida law regarding the enforcement of immigration laws," he replied.
"It is BSO's priority to address criminal activity within our community, including crimes committed by undocumented immigrants," he added.
Tony also detailed that since his appointment in 2019, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) has maintained an active relationship with ICE and other federal agencies.
"The priority of the BSO is to address criminal activity in our community, including offenses committed by unauthorized foreign nationals, and to collaborate with our federal partners in this effort," he explained.
"The BSO not only enforces the law against unauthorized foreigners who commit crimes in the community; it is a leader in this initiative," he emphasized.
Additionally, he noted that his office has housed federal detainees and has assisted in the apprehension of violent undocumented individuals, clearly referencing his collaboration with ICE.
"I trust that this response provides you with a better perspective and understanding of my commitment to uphold the laws of Florida and combat crime in our community", Tony concluded.
The letter from the Attorney General was also sent to the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, although there has been no official response from his office so far.
The controversy arises in a context of increasing pressure on local authorities in Florida to strengthen the enforcement of state immigration laws, especially after the approval of stricter regulations by the DeSantis administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida's Cooperation with ICE and the Controversy in Broward County
Why did the Florida Attorney General warn the Broward County Sheriff?
The Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, warned Broward County Sheriff, Gregory Tony, for refusing to cooperate with ICE and for not prioritizing immigration in his department. Uthmeier reminded Tony of his legal obligation to collaborate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration policies in accordance with Florida state law.
What does Florida law indicate regarding collaboration with ICE?
The state law of Florida requires that local law enforcement make every effort to cooperate with ICE in the enforcement of federal immigration law. This means they must assist in the identification and detention of undocumented immigrants, following the guidelines set by federal authorities.
What consequences do officials face if they do not cooperate with ICE in Florida?
Officials who do not cooperate with ICE may face legal and political measures, including contempt, removal from office by the Governor of Florida, and other civil and criminal penalties. This stance is supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, who has threatened to suspend local officials who do not comply.
How has Sheriff Tony responded to the warnings from the Attorney General?
The sheriff Gregory Tony has defended his stance of not prioritizing immigration, arguing that his main focus is public safety and crime fighting, regardless of individuals' immigration status. He assured that his department has an active relationship with ICE, but will not participate in raids or the pursuit of nonviolent immigrants.
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