Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a blistering to Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, warning that his refusal to prioritize immigration enforcement could land him in hot water — including suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis and legal contempt proceedings.
The bombshell letter was triggered by Sheriff Tony’s stunning admission at a recent budget workshop that immigration “is not one of” his priorities.
Tony further declared, “it’s not within our purview, it’s not within our responsibility, and I won’t participate in it.”
BROWARD SHERIFF TONY: “We have other priorities in this community I am focused on and immigration is NOT ONE OF THEM.
It’s not our preview. It’s not our responsibility and I will NOT participate in it.” pic.twitter.com/D7jvKXGuDp
— Chris Nelson (@ReOpenChris) June 9, 2025
In a two-page letter sent Monday, Uthmeier made clear that Florida law is not optional — and that the sheriff’s refusal to fulfill his statutory obligations could result in suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis and legal action for contempt.
“I would hope your statements were more political posturing, but if not, your expressed positions would constitute a failure of your statutory obligation,” Uthmeier wrote.
Florida’s § 908.104(1), Florida Statutes, is unambiguous: all local officials must make “best efforts” to support federal immigration enforcement. Uthmeier warned that Tony’s statements suggest “you misunderstand or intend to flout these requirements under Florida law.”
Even more troubling, Uthmeier pointed out that Broward County has existing 287(g) agreements with ICE, both under the Warrant Service Model and the Task Force Model. Florida law doesn’t just encourage cooperation with ICE — it mandates it.
According to the letter:
Of all the funds Broward County devotes to its local agencies, your office receives 55.7%. I venture to suggest that there is room in your $765 million budget to abide by state law, cooperate fully with the federal government, and protect Florida citizens from illegal aliens. Broward County citizens deserve to be safe from crime, especially crime that is preventable through proactive enforcement of immigration law. Florida law and policy prioritize removing illegal aliens from our communities.
So must you.
I request that you immediately clarify your remarks to affirm that your policy and intention is to fulfill your obligations under § 908.104(1), Florida Statutes.
My office will use every tool available to ensure local officials obey Florida law and protect public safety. Penalties for failure to adhere to the obligations set forth in § 908.104(1), Florida Statutes, include declaratory and injunctive relief, being held in contempt, or removal from office by the Governor pursuant to § 908.107, Florida Statutes.
Today, I sent a letter to @browardsheriff Tony reminding him of his obligation under Florida’s new immigration law.
The requirement to support ICE and enforce federal immigration law is not an option; it’s a duty under Florida statute. Those who flout the law will be held… pic.twitter.com/bc6nvrlfTD
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) June 9, 2025
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