TAMPA, Fla. — Attorney General James Uthmeier threatened to remove Mayor Jane Castor from office if she does not comply with Florida law, claiming Mayor Castor is forcing "sanctuary policies" on Tampa police.
In a statement posted on X, AG Uthmeier claimed the Tampa Police Department "enacted policies concerning the implementation of its agreement with ICE." Uthmeier claimed the "sanctuary policy" violates state law that requires law enforcement to cooperate with ICE.
Mayor Castor is forcing sanctuary policies on the Tampa Police Department, which violates Florida law.These policies must be reversed immediately, or there will be consequences. pic.twitter.com/Z8SfRu9vFT
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) March 11, 2026
According to AG Uthmeier, Mayor Castor has until March 31, 2026, to reverse the policies referred to in the statement.
"Failure to do so will risk the enforcement of all applicable civil penalties, including removal from office by the Governor," AG Uthmeier said in the statement.
Tampa Bay 28 reached out to Mayor Castor's office and the City responded with the following statement from Mayor Castor:
“In light of the Attorney General’s letter today, the City of Tampa will review the concerns raised and evaluate our policies and procedures to ensure that we use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law.
Tampa is one of the safest cities of our size in the nation because we built trust with our community through collaboration. The Tampa Police Department signed the 287(g) and developed its immigration enforcement policy in consultation with partner agencies and law enforcement associations to ensure all immigration-related actions are carried out according to state and federal law.”
Tampa Police Department's Feb. 2025 memorandum of agreement (MOA) with ICE:
TampaPoliceDeptFL TFM MOA 02282025 by Tampa Bay 28
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Chad Mills will be following this story. We will bring you continuing coverage as this story develops.
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