By Dan Christensen, FloridaBulldog.org
Upset by Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony’s recent refusal to help enforce federal immigration law, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier today warned Tony that his failure to do so could lead the governor to remove him from office.
Uthmeier, citing a new Florida law requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities, sent Tony a letter Monday morning noting Tony’s “problematic remarks” at a June 3 meeting of the Broward County Commission’s budget workshop.
“In that meeting, you stated that the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has ‘other priorities in this community’ and that ‘immigration is not one of them.’ You went on to say that arresting illegal aliens is ‘not within our purview, it’s not within our responsibility, and I won’t participate in it.’
“I would hope your statements were mere political posturing, but if not, your expressed positions would constitute a failure of your statutory obligation to utilize ‘best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law’ under 908.104(1), Florida Statutes,” Uthmeier wrote. He noted that BSO is currently party to two agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including one signed in February.
He went on to cite several “horrific crimes” allegedly committed by illegal aliens in Broward County, including Carlos Jose Abreau, 36, of Sunrise. Abreau pleaded guilty in federal court in March to what Uthmeier characterized as “impersonating a U.S. citizen, illegally voting, and unlawfully possessing a firearm.” He added that “Abreau had been living under a stolen identify for nearly two decades and is wanted in New Jersey for kidnapping, sexual assault, and endangering a child.”
Given that, Uthmeier wrote “it is unclear to me why ‘immigration’ wouldn’t be one of your priorities.
“Of all the funds Broward County devotes to its local agencies, your office receives 55.7 percent. 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…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 intention is to fulfill your obligations,” Uthmeier continued. “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…include declaratory and injunctive relief, being held in contempt, or removal from office by the Governor.”.
A copy of the letter was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Sheriff Tony did not have an immediate response to the attorney general.
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