DeSantis threatens to suspend officials over immigration cooperation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that he can use various methods, including suspending local officials, to ensure that local governments work with federal immigration authorities. This statement was made during an immigration forum in Sarasota, alongside the Trump administration's border czar, Tom Homan. DeSantis’s comments came after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned Fort Myers city officials about potential consequences for not approving an immigration agreement with federal authorities. This agreement would allow ICE to train local law enforcement to detain immigrants and assist in deportations. Several members of the Fort Myers City Council did not support the agreement. They expressed fears that it could lead to racial profiling and negatively affect the community. Uthmeier later alerted city officials that they might be violating a state law against "sanctuary cities," which limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. DeSantis has previously removed local officials he disagreed with, actions often criticized as politically motivated. For example, he removed a state prosecutor from Orlando for not prosecuting certain crimes. Critics argue that such actions raise concerns about the governor's commitment to local governance. Last month, the state announced that several Florida law enforcement agencies had made an agreement with ICE to help detain immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally.