Florida attorney general threatens Tampa mayor with removal over immigration policies

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on Wednesday saying the state will take action if she does not stop “forcing sanctuary policies” on the Tampa Police Department (TPD).

“TPD’s policies prohibiting its officers from sharing certain information with federal immigration authorities and limiting the immigration enforcement activities in which it participates effectively establishes a sanctuary policy,” Uthmeier wrote in the letter.

Uthmeier took issue with TPD withholding information from federal immigration authorities about victims and witnesses of crimes, specifically concerning their legal status. This policy aims to reassure people who are in the country illegally that they will not face possible detention and deportation for coming forward to report a crime.

“But we want illegal aliens to fear immigration consequences to the extent they are here unlawfully,” Uthmeier wrote.

Protections exist for victims of certain crimes who could face removal from the country if investigated by federal immigration officials, as required by state law. The Department of Homeland Security website, cited in the letter, highlights pathways to temporary legal immigration status for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as over two dozen other crimes.

“This is going to prevent illegal immigrants — yes, they are illegal — but people who do not have a criminal record to have access to benefits that they could have if they are able to report the crime,” said immigration attorney Lisette Sanchez.

TPD also “prohibits officers from........

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