ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is pushing back after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the city could face legal action over its immigration policy.
At the center of the controversy is Orlando’s Trust Act, a 2018 city ordinance that bars police officers from inquiring about the immigration status of law-abiding residents during routine interactions.
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The Attorney General’s Office claims the policy violates Florida’s 2019 ban on so-called “sanctuary cities.”
But Dyer says that interpretation is simply not accurate.
“We’re going to comply with all federal and state laws,” Dyer said. “To the extent that the Trust Act is not in conflict with the state laws, it applies.”
The mayor also pointed to Orlando’s active participation in the 287(g) Task Force Model program, a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Through the program, Orlando Police Department officers receive ICE training to assist with immigration enforcement when required.
“The city of Orlando is complying with all federal and state laws,” Dyer said. “But we remain a welcoming city. We welcome 75 million visitors every single year, and we care about our people.. I think it was just a little misunderstanding.”
Dyer emphasized that the goal of the Trust Act is to foster public safety by encouraging residents to cooperate with law enforcement without fear, regardless of immigration status.
“Our focus,” he added, “is building trust between police and the people we serve.”
The Attorney General’s Office has not yet responded publicly to the mayor’s latest comments.