TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, cautioning that the city could face legal consequences if it continues to enforce an immigration policy that state officials claim violates Florida law.
In a letter shared publicly Monday night on X (formerly Twitter), Uthmeier criticized comments Dyer made during an April 7 City Council meeting. At that meeting, Dyer said the Orlando Police Department would follow the city’s 2018 Trust Act, which bars police and city employees from asking individuals about their immigration status. Uthmeier argued that the policy contradicts a 2019 state law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that prohibits so-called “sanctuary” policies.
Today, I sent a letter to @orlandomayor reminding him that the sanctuary policy adopted by the city in 2018, the ‘Trust Act,’ is void under a 2019 law signed by @GovRonDeSantis.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) April 14, 2025
If the city enforces the policy as Mayor Dyer suggested, especially with @OrlandoPolice signing a… pic.twitter.com/InLAJRIDeQ
“This letter serves as notice that this office will take legal action against the City of Orlando and any city employee or agent thereof that violates Chapter 908 of the Florida Statutes,” Uthmeier wrote. “By prohibiting law enforcement officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status, the City of Orlando is unlawfully implementing a sanctuary policy and blatantly violating the law.”
Uthmeier further warned that Dyer could face removal from office for noncompliance, citing Section 908.107 of Florida law. He concluded the letter by stating, “Sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida.”
Mayor Dyer Responds
In response, Mayor Dyer sent a letter to the attorney general affirming the city’s commitment to following both state and federal immigration laws. Dyer stated that neither he nor the Orlando Police Department intends to violate any laws.
Dyer’s reply also included a copy of the city’s Memorandum of Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program. He noted that Orlando police officers are currently receiving ICE training to support federal immigration efforts.
