TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Usmierer has issued a warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, warning that the city could face legal consequences if state officials continue to implement immigration policies that they allegedly violate Florida’s laws.
In a letter published on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, Uthmeier criticized the comments Dyer made at the April 7th city council meeting. At that meeting, Dyer said the Orlando Police Department would comply with the city’s 2018 Trust Act. Uthmeier argued that the policy was inconsistent with a 2019 state law signed by Gov. Ron Desantis, which bans so-called “sanctuary” policies.
Today I sent a letter to @orlandomayor reminding me that the sanctuary policy “Trust Act,” adopted by the city in 2018, is invalid under the 2019 law signed by @govrondesantis.
Especially if the city is implementing the policy, as the mayor proposed on pic.twitter.com/inlajrideq
– Attorney General James Usmier (@Agjamesusthmeier) April 14, 2025
“This letter informs the office will take legal action against the city of Orlando and the city’s employees or their agents who violate Chapter 908 of Florida law,” Usmeyer wrote. “By prohibiting law enforcement officials from asking about the status of people’s immigration, the city of Orlando has illegally implemented its sanctuary policy and blatantly violates the law.”
Uthmeier further warned that Dyer could face removal from the office due to non-compliance, citing section 908.107 of Florida law. He concluded his letter by saying, “In Florida, sanctuary policies are not acceptable or legal.”
Mayor Dyer answers
In response, Mayor Dyer sent a letter to the Attorney General confirming the city’s commitment to complying with both state and federal immigration laws. Dyer said neither he nor the Orlando Police Department intends to violate the law.
Dyer’s reply also included a copy of the memorandum of consent from the city with the US Immigration and Customs Executive Committee (ICE) under the Federal 287(g) program. He said Orlando police officers are currently undergoing ice training to support federal immigration efforts.
