>> Carey ready, Jason, you
good. Good evening, everyone.
I would like to read called a
special meeting to order on
JULY 8th 2025. And before we
begin the roll call, I would
like to note for record that
commissioner has school is
appearing by zoom today under
exceptional circumstances.
This meeting was called an
emergency basis in response to
the letter received from the
Attorney general on JULY
second, 2025. And therefore
her remote attendance is
permitted. Do I have it? Any
objections? Hearing? No
objections. Her remote
participation is here by
approved and she will be
considered fully present for
the purposes of this meeting.
Kerry, can you call the roll?
Please? Commissioner Carey
here, commissioner Castillo
present Commissioner Haskell.
Commissioner Hoover here.
Commissioner Kaufman.
Commissioner Lee here. Mayor
Henry gets here. Please stand
for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge to the flat United
States of America and to the
Republic for which it stands.
One nation. Got indivisible
with liberty and justice for
all. Approval of agenda.
>> Are there any changes to
the agenda? Do I have a
motion? So moved motion by
Commissioner Carey to have a
second second second by
Commissioner Lee all in favor
say Aye. All right. Any motion
carries. Resolutions item
number one authorizing and
directing the city manager to
enter into the 28 hour.
>> 2.87 g voluntary memorandum
of agreement with United
States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.
>> Okay. So I am sponsoring
this resolution to direct our
city manager enter into the
2.87 g voluntary memorandum of
agreement with United States
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement. The 2.87 g
Program has 3 models. The jail
enforcement model, the task
force model and the warrant
service officer model. And as
our police chief indicated at
our last meeting, the option
that had been signed was the
task force model which focuses
on immigration enforcement
during routine policy duties.
My vote at that time was not
intended as a rejection of
cooperation with United States
immigration and collect
Customs enforcement, nor was
in an attempt to violate
Florida law. Rather. My
decision was based on guidance
from our interim city attorney
who determined that the
existing agreement was not
valid because it had been
signed by the chief of police
rather and the city manager
has required under our city
charter. I supported the vote
to terminate the existing
agreement so that a new valid
to 87 agreement could be
properly considered. And if
approved, probably executed by
the city manager in accordance
to our charter requirements.
While there are different
views about the substance of
the agreement itself, position
remains focused on ensuring
that the city of Key West
complies with both state law
in our own governance
standards. So with that, too,
we have public comments we do
prior to Commissioner Kaufman
has sent a statement that he'd
like me to read. He's unable
to based on his location.
>> So I will his statement.
First. Would like to say that
I'm extremely disappointed
that can't be there tonight.
I'm out of the country on a
long planned family trip. But
this meeting, one of the most
important we faced was
scheduled without checking of
all commissioners could
attend. That's not just
disrespectful. It's
unacceptable. 2 of us are gone
and the still moved forward.
Why? How is the state chosen
where there any discussion
where there was there any
discussion any transparency or
is it another behind the
closed door move like our
former city manager was
ousted? Nevertheless, let me
be clear. I support our
police. I fully support our
chief and I absolutely stand
with our immigrant community,
our neighbors, our workforce,
our friends. I think everyone
showing up tonight in defense
of human dignity and public
safety. Unfortunately, we
landed in this legal mess
because we didn't get proper
guidance before the JUNE 30th
vote. We should have had
expert legal counsel from the
start. Why didn't Now instead
of slowing down and
considering all our options,
including joining South South
Miami's legal challenge, the
mayor rushed to reverse course
the city's expert legal
counsel has confirmed we are
in a strong position by doing
nothing. We haven't entered or
rescinded in agreement.
There's no legal liabilities.
So why panic? The mayor
scheduled this meeting prior
to discussion the legal
options with the attorneys.
Why not wait for the courts to
decide whether the 2.87 g
Agreement is mandatory or
voluntary. Florida law does
not require cities to sign
2.87 g it only applies to
sheriffs. Our police chief
signed that agreement without
public input or commission
approval. That's a problem.
And we were right to recognize
it is void. If the mayor's
resolution is approved, which
I do not support to enter into
the 2.87 agreement, that at
least let's fight in court
alongside South Miami. But
make no mistake that entering
into the 2.87 g Agreement is
the worst option for our
community. He depends on
tourism. We depend on trust.
Turning our police into ice.
Agents erodes both. This isn't
about politics. It's about
public safety and economic
survival. There are no
sanctuary cities in Florida.
We comply with the law. But we
don't need to go further than
the law requires, especially
not when doing so makes us
less safe and more vulnerable
to lawsuits. We took a stand
for our values on JUNE. 30th
South Miami stands with us and
we should stand with our
Haitian neighbors now tp tps
is at risk and this is a
moment for more clarity.
Please do not let fear win. Do
not rush. We do not abandon
the people we swore to
protect. I respectfully urge
my fellow commissioners to
postpone this vote until the
courts have determined whether
the city is legally obligated
to enter this agreement.
Additionally, such an
important decision should be
made when the full commission
is present approving the
mayor's resolution at this
time is premature and
unnecessary and could place
both the city and our
residents in a disadvantage
position. I think Kerry before
before you get started.
>> I like clarify 2 things
before you get started.
>> Number one, for the record,
I did not know that there was
2 commissioners that we're out
of time when this meeting was
called. I learned I learned
this the win Facebook. There
was a Facebook post that there
was a story to write because
of 2 commissioners being out
of town on Saturday. I called
you to say, are there to
commissioners that not going
to be present at this meeting.
And you told me at that time
that is correct that they're
going so join by Zoom. And I
asked you, who are those 2
commissioners and then you,
Tony, so want to correct that
record. And then the other one
is how did you send that
statement? Was that by the
Internet? It was an e-mail,
ok? Thank you. All right. Can
you call for public comment,
please? Yes. So prior to
public public comment, I do
want to read one other section
of done this in the past from
our resolutions. This is
pursuant to resolution 25
dash, 1, 4, 3,
>> Section 4 b members of the
public address in the City
Commission shall observe order
and decorum, including the
combining confining of remarks
to the item at hand. All
speakers must address their
comments to the presiding
officer rather than individual
commission members or staff a
person engaged in disorderly
conduct in the commission
chambers pursuant to Section 2
dash, one of the code of
ordinances maybe removed upon
a complaint of the presiding
officer to the police. I'm
going to call 3 people at a
time. Everyone will have 3
minutes. I'm doing 3 in case
some of the people are out. If
somebody could go get them, if
call them and they're not in
chambers, that would be great.
So we're going to start with.
Lucy Hawk, Chris McNulty and
give that So if you're the
subsequent speakers, please be
ready. And we are going to let
the clock the buzzer has.
Sometimes you don't hear it.
So we are going to have to
keep everything to 3 minutes.
We have many people signed up.
Ok, thank you. I think the
mike needs to get turned Sorry
perfect.
>> Good evening, mayor and
commissioners. My name is Lucy
Hawking. I'm speaking on
behalf of 133 members of the
community who could not be
here tonight. You see all
these forms. These are the
people who speaking majority
of the people who filled out
these forms live in the
Bahamas Village community
members of that community
spent hours over the weekend
canvassing the neighborhood to
spread awareness about what's
going on and to get their
input. We asked 3 simple yes
or no questions based on
tonight's agenda. There's a
lot of those people are not
able to be here. The questions
that we asked where item one
should cue spd enter into a
2.87 g agreement. Item 2.
Should the city see clarity
from a court through a lawsuit
against Governor DeSantis or
join the city of South Miami
said to determine the legality
of the requirement to enter
into 2.87 g item 3. So the
city expressed support 4
extend extending tps for
Haitian community. Of the 133
papers that I'm holding 130
people think we should uphold
the decision that was made
last Monday. 127 people also
think we should seek clarity
through lawsuit and 130 people
also support our Haitian
community members. These
numbers are not just numbers.
These are people that live on
this island who are not here
to speak for a variety of
reasons, work fear, inability
to be public. That kind of
thing. But most of these
people are from the Bahamas,
alleged community and live in
Commissioner Castillo's
district based on those
opinions. We strongly urge you
to uphold the decision that
you made last Monday. These
people are very proud of what
you did last week. We hope you
can honor that. Thank you. So
if Chris Bentley and then Lisa
Chronis.
>> How America's City
Commissioners, my name is
Chris McNulty. I'm a resident
of district one. I'm also the
executive director of the
Queer Keys Community Center.
I'm also gay. Also queer. I'm
also non binary and also
Gemini. And I do understand
that my big beautiful earrings
might be very loud. Some will
try to speak over them. And I
just want to express my
frustration as well for the
emergency nature of this
meeting. I do not feel that
there is an emergency on this
island. The only emergency
that I'm aware of is the
paranoid delusion of our
PRESIDENT Who thinks there's
something happening in this
country. I also understand
that based on the state
attorney general's letter that
you are all worried about your
jobs and your positions here
and I understand being worried
about that. I but however, I
also think that that is a moot
point because if we do sign
and that's to 87 g Agreement,
I do think you your jobs are
up for for release. Anyway.
And I also would like to
express on behalf of my friend
who I mentioned last time I
was here. She is an immigrant.
She is here on a work permit
and I would like to speak on
her behalf because he's afraid
to be here. So she says. As an
immigrant to this country, I
was drawn here by the promise
of happiness, peace and
justice that I lacked in my
homeland. Unfortunately, after
a decade of living here, I
have witnessed a disturbing
trend of racism in America get
i remain hopeful that we can
rise above this challenge. We
are all immigrants to this
country with our ancestors
hailing from Foreign shores by
acknowledging our shared
heritage, we can tap into a
deeper sense of empathy and
understanding. I'm deeply
concerned about my friends
were currently incarcerated
without just cause simply
because of their immigration
status. It is crucial to
recognize that they are
hard-working, kind and decent
individuals who contribute
positively to society. Well, I
I agree that criminals and
individuals who pose a threat
to society should be held
accountable. I firmly believe
that the current system is
unfair and disproportionately
targets innocent people who
among us has not inadvertently
committed a minor infractions
such as running a red light. I
urge you to reflect on your
own actions and be honest with
yourselves. By doing so we can
cultivate a more compassionate
and inclusive society
together, we can create a
brighter future where everyone
has the opportunity to thrive.
If we unite and advocate for
justice, we can bring about
transformative change and
there is strength in unity and
together we can overcome even
the most daunting challenges.
And also like to say that I
also support our police force
and I am wondering how they
feel about using our taxpayer
dollars on their regular pay
to support ice was getting
bonuses through our tax
dollars from that big focus
with that, I will just I urge
you to deliver us from evil.
Thank you so much. Have to vet
Lisa and then Madeline bomb.
Good afternoon, MADAM Mayor
and commissioners.
>> My name is the baddest one,
although Lee and I'm a 61
year-old native of Key West.
I'm a 4th generation Kong
whose ancestors migrated from
Spain, Cuba and the Bahamas. I
attended the city commission
special meeting 2 weeks ago in
left feeling hopeful and so
proud to have such courageous
open minded individuals to
represent this city that I
love and call home. I'm
fortunate enough to have
worked with children from all
over the world, including many
Latin countries, Haiti, China,
Russia, the Czech Republic.
And is that the stand to name
a few? I have had the
opportunity to retool and with
them about many things,
including the civil rights
movement and activists heroes
like Martin Luther King
Junior, Rosa Parks, Ruby
Bridges, protest, boycott
Siddons and how those who
participated were simply
asking for equal equitable
treatment and the right to
live a good life. Many
students said I would have
fought them or I would have
said this or that.
>> But one student looked at
me and asked what would you
have done? I thought for a
moment and said I honestly
don't know because I was not
there, but I hope that I would
have been brave enough to do
the right thing. I'll never
forget that. I never thought
i'd have the opportunity to
find out what I would have
done. But here we are and I
owe it all to to all of my
children to stand up and speak
out on their behalf because
they can't do it for
themselves to have to do the
right thing. And yes, I said
my children because they are
they're all our children. I've
had students whose parents
were deported during the last
Trump administration. And
though this was traumatic for
them, they had one parent who
was allowed to stay behind the
saving grace, then was that
these family members were sent
back to their country of
origin and as problematic and
dangerous as that MAY have
been, at least it was familiar
territory. Now people who have
committed no crime safer,
wanting and hoping to ensure
safety an opportunity for
themselves and their loved
ones are being terrorized,
kidnapped, shackled and
shipped off to concentration
camps and who loves with no
hope of release. These people
are not criminals. They're
hardworking members of our
community. Their parents,
sons, daughters, Brothers,
sisters, friends and
neighbors. We cannot stand for
this. We cannot ask our law
enforcement officers to comply
if the risk of becoming
dehumanized and radicalized as
weapons inflicting harm on our
most vulnerable population. So
I ask you to leave with your
heart. The brave. Continue to
stand with our community, our
beloved community be on the
right side street. Empathy is
all that prevents us from
becoming immune to suffering.
Once we sacrifice our humanity
cannot get it back together.
We are one human family. We
are all the same. Same for the
circumstances and luck of our
birth. Thank you for
listening.
>> Lisa Matalin and then Sarah
did not.
>> Good evening. Name is Lisa
Curtis. I moved here in 1989
at work. Is a paralegal. And
so 2000. Then it became a
registered nurse and took care
of this community. Everybody
and this community got the
same care for me. What I'm
watching is horrific. It's
it's a terrific and we have
the power because when I
looked at the 2.87, g is a
voluntary. It's voluntary
cracked. So if it's voluntary
and work us were one human
family. Why are we voluntarily
assisting? Why don't we join
with MR. Huffman had said if I
heard him correctly. Wait for
the lawsuits filed lawsuit.
This is a small community. I
am begging you. These are
people we know that we've
worked with for 20 years. Some
of them they're hard workers.
It's not okay. I'm not put the
police officers are awesome
too. They're awesome. We love
our police officers put their
community police officers to
help us. That means every one
of us. We can't cherry pick.
This reminds me of 1930's. I'm
not exaggerating. Thank. They
didn't start for the end, but
we have the ability to make a
little bit change right here
in the city of Key West. We
can show the world that we
care. We're going to protect
every human being no matter
what. The criminals are in
prison, they can send them.
Why are they going after
people that are taking care of
patients? That are working in
a nursing home? Make that make
sense to me. But before it
doesn't make sense to me,
please do not sign up to
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I crawled out of my house to
get here to let you guys now.
This hurts me. Hurts my heart.
That there were watching human
being shown. These are people.
There's a 21 year-old that I
as I understand gentleman from
down here that is now.
>> Up in the Everglades.
>> And in it.
>> Hence in a swamp with this
key knows that have illnesses
and water on the floor. We
have to actually, I think put
a barrier around the
immigrants and protect them.
For all immigrants to at the
end of the day, I'm not an
American Indian. I'm not going
to tell my family came here
from Italy to escape whatever
they were trying to escape.
And I'm asking for compassion
from city. I know. Has it. You
have it. Do the right thing.
Please. But the law work.
>> Madeleine Sarah and then
Kirby Myers. I am Reverend
Matalin, pastor of Qs, United
Methodist Church just over a
week ago, I left this place
feeling great joy and pride in
all of you for having the
courage to take the stand for
those in our community who are
living in fear. Now, it seems
for some of you, your fear is
causing you to second guess
the brave and morally
admirable decision you made
last week. Now I have to say
that I understand fear. I do.
I have lived a great majority
of my life, fearful that
people would not like me. So I
did with the bullies and the
people in power told me to do
even when I knew was wrong.
Fear is cause me to do things.
I am not proud of one of those
things is that I remain silent
for many years as our
denomination debated the
ordination of lgbtq clergy and
performing same sex weddings
because I was afraid I would
not be ordained. In other
words, I was afraid I would
lose my job. Fear is real. And
I understand it. But here's my
question for you. Has the
entire country watches on
which side of history. Would
you like to be found? Do you
want to be the people who
allowed fear to dictate their
actions or do you want to be
the people who found the
courage to do what is right,
no matter how scary that MAY
be last week. You are brave.
In other words, in the words
of the prophet Micah, you
sought justice. You loved
mercy and walk humbly with
GOD. And now you are allowing
the bullies to cause you to
second. Guess that. I want you
to hear this. I still often
fear when I enter the pulpit
to preach and even standing
before you. But I know 2
things being liked in staying
in my comfort zone is far less
important than standing up for
those who cannot stand up for
themselves and being silent is
not an option. My personal
journey I realized on JUNE 12,
2016 when 49 people died in
the polls. The Pulse nightclub
massacre that I could no
longer remain silent and
silence is not an option. Now,
as are our neighbors are in
fear. I often use quotes in
movies, firms from movies and
my sermons. So let me leave
you with this. This quote from
we bought a zoo. Sometimes all
you need is 20 seconds of
insane courage just literally
20 seconds of embarrassing
bravery and I promise you
that's something great will
come of it. This is your 20
seconds. Thank you. And So
curvy and then Daniel Mothers.
>> Hi, Good evening. My name
is Kirby Myers. And I've been
a key West residents since
2012. I stand here tonight
because like you, I'm scared
and I'm angry. I know each of
you have been threatened by or
government for taking a stand
to do the right thing. I know
you've been told if you stand
your ground here tonight,
retribution will be served a
fear tactic. Our government
has embraced to control those
who speak out against
censorship, women's rights,
minorities and others without
a voice. So tonight with the
understanding of the threats
against you and at the risk of
being a legally removed from
this platform by our
governor's office. I asked you
a greater calling. And while
it's much easier path to bend
and to those in Washington who
hide behind the masks and
violence, they continue to
unleash a their own citizens
and neighbors. I asked you to
be the public servants who
were elected to be for us for
our children. And for those
who come after us. The world
is watching Key West. And
while this measure is a
symbolic vote and perhaps a
vote in your minds that is not
worth losing your position
over. I challenge that belief.
I believe your stance against
this evil spreading across our
nation is exactly what you are
called to do. Because 30 years
from now, most of us will not
be here. Put our children
well. And our grandchildren.
Well, and when they look back
at this night, it could be a
defining moment in our
history. They will either look
back at our local leaders here
tonight who had an opportunity
to spread a light across this
nation and create a model for
others to follow and fight and
stand and look at the bullies
in the eye with unity and
unwavering conviction. They'll
look back and recall the
moment that faded as we cower
fear and allowed those who
rule by intimidation and
violence to once again walk
for those without a voice. I
know you are scared, scared to
lose your positions. Scared of
the retribution, scared of the
rhetoric hate being spread on
social media and the violent
acts against our communities.
But if you don't take the
stand tonight, Bill, I'm
asking you to stay strong. I'm
asking you to be brave. I'm
asking this night to become
something more than a symbolic
state from a little island of
Key West, I'm asking you to
create a spark, a spark that
will ignite a flame across the
state and across this nation.
One that calls for more
leaders in towns like us here
to fight back for those who
cannot and to stand together
because if you fight for us,
we fight for you. As and Frank
hid in the attic. Fearing the
inevitable that she would be
likely abducted by armed
government forces attempting
to cleanse communities of
immigrants in minority. She
still believed in a world. The
pope and love and empathy. And
during that time she wrote.
How wonderful it is that
nobody wait a single moment
before starting to improve the
world respected commissioners,
please don't wait. Stay the
course. Fight for your
children, your grandchildren,
fight for the truth and
nothing. Let's let know.
>> And you call the next
Please.
>> Can you call the next one?
Please carry Can you call the
next one? Please? Are you
Sarah?
>> So we have Sarah Daniel
Mothers and then Aaron Stover.
My name is Sarah Tunnel. It
I'm a full-time resident.
Something I think about often
is time. Time wasted. Time
calling my representatives who
rarely pick up the phone. And
if they do. Don't have any
answers. Time we stood reading
a report hoping that the
public servants listed in the
report but have the decency to
do the right thing.
Acknowledge their wrongdoings
and pass the baton along to
people with backbones. The
time we stood by people only
live here have time
complaining about people who
actually live here full time.
The people who keep this
island to life. Time well
spent. Showing up. But this
communities to support
neighbors and insight 13, the
reputation of a community that
has always stood up against
tyranny. Time lost. My friend
at the corner store, hiding in
the bathroom until he heard me
announce myself and then
walking out shaking and in
shambles. The time my friend
spent trying see his dying
father in another country
before time ran out. It ran
out. Like to spend the rest of
my time and our time quiet
contemplation and to make it
count. Whenever anyone in this
room is ready, please raise
your hand if you agree that
keyword should remain a
sanctuary, a place where a
person.
>> But their time is free,
precious and protected. Except
in the most serious of
circumstances. And please keep
your hands down if you think
that key West should no longer
be sanctuary by any definition
of the word.
Thank you. Daniel
Aaron and then Abby Weiss.
>> I imagine the job of key
West City commissioner is a
relatively thankless task.
Most days are mundane filled
with small choices about which
the public will largely never
be concerned. I imagine the
moments when your duties are
thrust into the spotlight can
be stressful and emotionally
draining. So I'd like to thank
you for the courage and
humanity you showed last week.
I am deeply appreciative of
your willingness to hear pleas
from your constituents. Andrew
in accordance both with their
desires and with the of
inclusivity that has long been
the heart of the key West
community. Unfortunately, days
later, we find ourselves
asking that same question, a
question that has become a
flash point in the battle for
our cultural identity as we
approach a crossroads that
will shape the future of this
island and be remembered by
those who come after you. I
want to place this moment in
the greater context of the
nation and of history. We MAY
be a town of just 20,000. The
key West is a name that's
larger than life. Actions on
this island. Reverberate
across the nation in a way few
small towns can replicate. Eu
ruling last week made
headlines in New York and
California, Texas and Ohio.
Social media accounts with
millions of followers praised
bravery. Your choices will be
mourned or celebrated by far
more than those who fill this
room, your voices might be
heard around the world as
Florida boycotts explode
across Europe and Canada. If
the consensus you reach is in
line with the image we strive
to project a culture that
embraces all regardless of
gender, sexuality, skin color
or place birth. Key West could
become beacon of hope
separated from the mainland by
more than our bridges. This
can be achieved by simply
delaying a decision on the
2.87 agreement until we're
certain of our legal standing.
History rarely looks kindly on
those who see power to
politicians seeking the
consolidation of that power.
We're not talking about the
glorious actions of those who
vowed to the wills and
dictators or governors as they
stripped their subordinates,
the capacity to be more
loving, more kind and more
compassionate. There is a word
for describing we're facing
when leaders enforce their
agendas, threats, remove duly
elected officials for
representing the will of their
constituents and power in the
hands of their chosen
enforcers. We call it
authoritarianism. America was
supposed to oppose that
ideology. We are supposed to
fight for more freedoms, more
equality, more distribution of
power to municipalities,
cities and individual voters.
The stories we tell ourselves
about the greatness of this
country are filled with pave
individuals who fought back
against government overreach.
Today we're asking you to find
the courage to be the heroes
of this particular story and
make a choice that future
generations can celebrate.
Thank you for your time and
your compassion. Aaron. And
actually, Richard, what
comment called Abby
incorrectly, Richard. And then
John
>> MADAM Mayor commissioners
Stover. I'm a full-time
resident since 2012. I'm
reading a letter tonight on
behalf of Natalia Duke,
founder of the Keys,
Immigration Coalition is that
a country wanted me to share
her words. She writes, I've
never been more proud of our
city that I was last Monday
when you write leave, what are
the agreement that force local
law enforcement erratically
profile and detain community
members. I thank you for your
courage for doing the right
thing. And yet we must
continue the course you have
the privilege and duty the
vote on what not only will
make us safer, but what is
right. The numerous problems
that come with signing a 2.87
g Agreement were clearly
stated last week in addition
taking valuable time and
resources from officers doing
their actual job. It also
leads to racial profiling and
lack of due process, both of
which have been costly for
Monroe County in the past in
2018 mcso wrongfully detained
and handed over U.S. Citizen
Peter Brown to ice. The
lawsuit brought by splc, an
aclu in 2018 cost the county
the taxpayers hundreds of
thousands of dollars. Do we
want to be next? I ask you to
stay strong and not
voluntarily signed the
agreement. Let's wait to let
the courts decide the legality
of entering the agreement.
Furthermore, I encourage you
to join South Miami's lawsuit
against the state. Multiple
organizations around the state
have offered their pro bono
services to help us understand
and fight against this
massive, unconstitutional
overreach. Moreover, I urge
you to express your support
for extending tps for
Haitians. When I taught in
adult education in 2011, the
majority of my students were
from Haiti escaping damage
from the earthquake and again,
from the cholera epidemic. I
run into them weekly as they
are embedded in our diverse
community. Currently, I teach
yes, well, 2 key West High
school students and have many
Haitians students that have
escaped gang violence. They
long to feel safe and
included. Unfortunately, after
all, they've been doing there
now scared to even attend
summer school. We have a duty
to support and protect them by
staying strong. We have an
opportunity to truly show the
state of Florida and the
country. What it means to
actually be one human family
signed that all you do. Those
are not my words. I do
absolutely. Echo them agree
with them. And I just wanted
to quickly add that this feels
like a small boat by a small
group of people on a small
island. But you have so much
power to set precedent. So
please don't squander that.
Thank you. So we Richard would
come John and then fill er.
>> Hello, my name is Richard
would come. Iqs. Business
owner and I live in Old town.
Thank you for the opportunity
to speak. I'm opposed to the
city of Key West entering into
a 2.87 g agreement with ice.
I'm very emotional about this,
but I'll be speaking
factually. Point number one.
Key West law enforcement
acting with ice is bad for the
key West economy. As a
business owner, the labor for
the available labor force is
very tight. Many members of
the qs community are afraid to
go outside or go to church or
go to work. Point. Number 2,
agreement will damage
relations between U.S. Law
enforcement in the qs
community. It makes what
should be a co-operative.
Relationship. Much more
adversarial. We already have
Monroe County law enforcement
acting as isolations. Point.
Number 3. This agreement will
divert U.S. Law enforcement
resources in addition to
costly and time-consuming
training, it takes valuable
time away from city law
enforcement functions. The key
West City Commission should
protect the community and the
businesses of Key West by not
entering into an agreement.
With ice. Thank you. After
John, we have still are. And
then Hannah Edwards. I'm John
a lifelong resident of Key
West.
>> Thank you for this
opportunity to speak. It's
important that we keep our eye
on the issues here. Agreement
2.87 g it's not necessary for
ice to do its work here, you
for the local police to assist
them but ending Estes until
they can be transported
elsewhere. As I understand it,
the fact that participation is
not required already in the
title. We're at states
voluntary, not mandatory. So
as Tallahassee wanting so
badly to impose this sentence.
Not a surprise, actually, it's
consistent with its actions
across the years to squelch
every part of local autonomy.
It possibly can often in
violation of the powers
granted to local
municipalities by our state
constitution and laws. By and
large. Our community has a
favorable impression of our
local police department and
justifiably so. We are
fortunate the chief Brandon
brings a fair and reasonable
man. It was wrong to
disrespect him when he spoke
last week. He's on our side
and has the best interest of
our community at heart. Our
police, our trains to defuse
tense situations rather than
fanning the flames and
escalating them into more
newsworthy crisis. Do you have
the same impression of ice? If
anything, quite the opposite.
They have been reports and
allegations that police in key
west of acted as de facto ice
agents during routine traffic
stops, particularly targeting
immigrants. By making our
police officers act as hit men
for ice. The excellent
community report we have had
with our police vanishes in an
instant. Once our police
officers become identified
with ice agents, they will no
longer be regarded with the
same sense of trust. We have
had. Is that what we want? Is
that even with our police
themselves want. And therefore
propose reinstating are 2.87 g
agreement. It is not necessary
for ice's work. Additionally
agreeing to it since the
message to Tallahassee that we
are further acquiescing as
they attempt to strip us more
and more of local control over
our own affairs. If you give
in to a bully, you just get
more being bullied. Listen,
open your eyes and see.
>> Phil and then Hannah
Edwards and many Hartman after
>> Good afternoon,
commissioners Mayor, I'm Phil
Air resident of Miami-Dade
County and the retired Navy
must thing here with my words
to serve in courage. What
happened last week was.
>> Administrative correction.
You corrected an error.
>> And the world came down
upon. You recognize that what
is coming down upon you is
political pressure, political
pressure in the form of a
letter from the state attorney
general who could who writing
with political politicized
rhetoric within his letter.
It's clear to see no need to
be a lawyer to see it. So it
is the political pressure that
you're responding to in my
assessment. It is the
political pressure also of
your boss. Is your residence
here in the chamber that you
responded to last week and you
should respond to this week
today. So with that. I want to
just encourage you to think
about. Whom do you work for?
Who do you work for? And what
are your core values and your
core values are meant to be
with the people. So I'd
encourage you stand with the
people. Recognize what is
legally required. And I think
the previous commissioner was
on commissioner coffin. Lay
that out very well. And what
is politically? Charged and go
with your go with your with
your gut and don't be bullied
by the the political messaging
from Tallahassee. Thank you.
>> After Hannah, we have Manny
and then Laura Byrne, Italy.
Good evening. Mayor
commissioners and staff. My
name is Hannah Edwards. And
I'm speaking as a private
citizen. I want to thank you
for the courage you showed in
the last meeting. And I want
to share something with you.
When I left that meeting, I
ran into a friend of mine.
She's from Nicaragua. And
though she and her family are
naturalized, many of her
friends and relatives are here
on visas. My friend gave me a
big hug. She'd watching the
meeting online while she
worked her second job. Thank
you. She said for standing up
for my community were all too
scared to be there to be at
the meetings. GOD bless you
and GOD bless the city of Key
West. I thought you should
hear that people who work the
people who are quietly behind
the scenes making this city
run. Appreciate you. You might
not know them all by name, but
they're really grateful for
what you did last week. Now
regarding the situation at
hand, I read the a g's letter
and I believe the intent is to
scare you. And this whole
situation is scary. Many, many
people in this town are
scared. I'm scared right now.
I remember that fear can be
used as a very effective tool
to get people to do what you
want, especially when your
argument is lacking. In his
letter, the ag mentions the
arrest of sex offenders,
murderers and animal abusers.
He makes it sound like or
community is unsafe. But I
disagree. We have excellent
law enforcement, including the
chief the Key West Police and
the Monroe County sheriff.
They do their jobs extremely
well. They're great stewards
of our tax dollars are crime.
Rates are very low and they
cooperate with all other law
enforcement organizations and
the people I says now
snatching from their bikes are
not criminals. According to
the transactional Records,
Access Clearinghouse as of
JUNE 15th. So it's probably
even more so than now or than
then. 71.7% of those held in
ice detention have no criminal
record. My parents were active
in the civil rights movement
in the 1960's and the kkk
burned across in their yard to
scare them. That was extremely
scary for them. But it didn't
stop them from standing up for
equal rights. Don't let fear
stop you from doing what's
right. We believe in you and
we will continue to support
you. My daughter's preschool
teacher once told me a story
she was in a store with their
own little girl who had a
meltdown in the middle of the
aisle she wanted to Dish Usher
in leave the store. But she
had a cart full of groceries
and she remembered how we, as
parents always say, I'd
stepped in front of a train
for my child and she thought
this is the train, these
tantrums these hard moments.
This is what we step in front
of. So she sat down on the
floor next to her daughter in
tow. She calmed down.
Commissioners. This is the
train. This is the hard moment
where you get to choose
whether to do it, you know, is
right and stand beside the
people of your city or to walk
away because this is hard. We
can let the courts do their
job. We can wait for legal
clarity. We can stand by our
values and protect trust
between our immigrant
neighbors and our police. Cbs
News is predicting that you
okay because you're afraid,
please show them what we all
know that they are on the
year. Strong leader has
nothing. Her original. What?
Thank you. Thank you. Laura.
And then just Wagner. Good
afternoon, everyone.
>> Commissioners, MADAM Mayor.
Thank you for allowing me to
come and speak. I'm a resident
of Miami-Dade County drove all
the way down from Homestead.
Thankless job. Every single
one of that. You do the right
thing. It's expected. Okay.
You do the wrong thing. You
get hurt. What you did 2 weeks
ago take took a lot of
courage. You're being asked to
do it again. It's a new. You
already did it once you do it
again. It takes a lot of
courage. It's easy to take the
easy way out. The path of
least resistance is always
there. Doing the right thing.
Really does take lot of
courage. I came here. Because
there's a lot of people that
are no longer with us.
Including my family that I
know would be wanting to come
and talk. So I'm here to speak
for the folks that cannot
speak that are not here. So
channeling their voices. And
channeling what they wanted to
say. I want to say. For voting
that way. Thank you. Did 2
weeks ago and continue to vote
that way for those that cannot
speak. For those that don't
have the ability and that are
not here and possibly in
another country. As a former
union steward, I know for a
fact. Having a thankless job
is. Appreciate you. Thank you.
And for allowing a Miami-Dade
County resident, the city
homestead to come and speak
your city of Key West.
>> Laura is there Laura? And
then just the Wagner and
Amanda Velazquez.
Commissioners, thank you for
letting me speak tonight. My
name is Laura Perez. I am a 3
year resident of Key West. I'm
in Monroe County employee the
public facing position which
as you might guess that means
get to interact with an
incredible cross section of
people on this island and
every day I am still amazed
not only by the mix of
cultures, but the absolute
acceptance and openness and
sons of unity displayed by
people here. Your decision
last week regarding the 2.87 g
Agreement had impact on a
national scale. People other
cities he was acceptance,
openness and sense of unity.
We show that it's possible to
push back against power to
what's right. We provide
example of a community can be
demonstrate at quality and
politics We know to continue
to lead and to do what's
right. And we ask you to stand
behind decision your decision.
But man paying out of city
budget, the federal government
hurt our community put our
neighbors and our friends, our
co-workers. Into a rapid
expanding, completely
unaccountable and for profit
detention system. And there's
no reason for this. Our police
officers are already required
to cooperate fully with ice
and expressed their intention
to do so. To a little rest
between kw pd and the people
of Key West citizens both
documented and undocumented
would the same racial
profiling and paranoia and
isolation has to reach out to
key wpd for help. Other
countries will be spent by the
threat of indiscriminate and
in death attention. We have to
and made safer by this
decision. Well, as you look
good and thoughtful people, I
know you don't want to being
part of someone sending
someone to a cage in the
Everglades. I'm comfortable
with the knowledge. You MAY
put a person who showed up for
immigration court. The into a
detention facility with more
familiar contact. No legal
counsel and will chance of
dying use political act. And
should mention there been 13
deaths in ice custody this
year alone and 5 of them in
Florida. Not fixed having a
lot is not completely
circumscribed, but as what is
helpful to building a decent
society, we to be says right
now, but it possible in just
to detain people indefinitely
without proper medical care
legal representation. You know
that to be false. That isn't
just matter. But says. Thank
you for your courage and the
to display courage wants more.
The people in this room, the
city of South Miami and many
other organizations and
individuals across the nation
have a more expansive man and
inclusive vision. This country
can be. Us in creating that
new reality. Thank you for
your time. Jesse. We have
Amanda and then for t s to
month. We're just the Wagner
and Jillian titan of 11
Kentucky.
>> We're going to sing you a
song written by Woody Guthrie
in 1948.
>> Thompson Sodium,
>> back up next, Campbell.
>> Them money.
>> back
>> Leads.
>> It tells you This
>> when you're on the big
>> 0.2
>> a father. He landed 2. All
the
>> insist is down
this Be. Dew. 0.2 the best way
best way line to Milan top
soil and of coal mine. Go on
74
goes. This is saying you will
there. The 14. The fashion
try. I'm saying it was on
track rights like the will no
longer Process. Then you, MAY
be involved
sneeze and it was a
>> Gore
>> We love you. Thank you to
the officers and the fire
department
>> After a man do we have for
tea? And then Jennifer Kutch.
That's a hard act to Not going
to Thank you, Mayor Henry
Cause and commissioner, thank
you for the opportunity share
my comments regarding the
proposed 2.87 g Resolution. My
name is Amanda An immigration
attorney been practicing
immigration law for 25 years.
>> And I've had my practice in
Key West since 2018. I see the
human impact everyday. What my
clients are experiencing as a
result of immigration
enforcement efforts happening
in and around Key West
receiving nonstop phone calls
from detention centers and
worried family members around
the clock. The vast majority
of these individuals do not
have criminal records. This is
not speculation. I know them.
I would be happy to share more
about their experiences at
another time. But I believe
that for today's meeting, it's
valid for you to understand
the legal options you have
with regard to the 2.87 g
Agreement. Allow me to share
my colleague Ashley sub as Lot
Sound legal advice that you
cannot be here in person
today. I write today to
respectfully urge you not to
move forward with the
resolution at this time.
Instead, I encourage the
commission to table the matter
into the city can obtain legal
clarity on its obligations
under chapter 908, of the
Florida statute on JUNE 30th,
this commission voted to void
a 2.87 g agreement that had
been improperly executed
without the legal authority
required under city charter.
Was not a rejection of federal
immigration enforcement. It
was a vote to correct a
procedural defect until now
the city has maintained a
strong legal position. It was
addressing an internal process
issue and preparing to seek
judicial guidance on whether
Florida actually requires
entry into such an agreement.
However, if the resolution
before you is either past or
voted down tonight, it
significantly increases the
risk that the governor and
attorney general will argue
that the city is prohibiting
participation and the 2.87 g
program precisely the conduct
prohibited by section 908, of
the Florida statute. Moreover,
the language of this
resolution appears to concede
without legal challenge. The
attorney generals assertion
the Key West is now a
sanctuary city in violation of
state law. That framing
matters it will surface in
pleadings press releases in
future legislative debates.
Once it's part of the public
record, it cannot easily be
undone. We do not have to make
that mistake. I respectfully
request that the commission
tabled the resolution and
direct the city attorney or
outside counsel to seek a
declaratory judgment as a city
of South Miami is doing let a
court decide whether entering
into this agreement is legally
required. That approach is not
only responsible and strategic
that it is lawful. If you
believe you must take some
action tonight at most, that
would encourage you to
consider, sir amending the
resolution from last Monday to
void the agreement without
prejudice. And agreement
requires negotiation and
consideration by all parties.
It's not an agreement. If
we're being told by the
governor and the legislature
that we have to enter into it
without negotiating the terms,
let's not rush into this
decision. Thank you for your
time and thoughtful
consideration. After for tea
is Jennifer and Robert
Milwaukee. The irony of
standing here before you today
and ask you to be brave. I am
actively practicing being
brave.
>> And publicly speaking
today, so
name is for on. I've been a
resident of to us for the past
15 years. Today. I come before
you as a community member and
as the child of Haitian
immigrant parents. My parents
came to this country with very
little. But Terry tweens, as
big as this island. Like many
immigrants, stay in the work
hard pay taxes and raise a
family rooted in resilience
and hope. And he did it all
while navigating a world that
often them with suspicion
instead of gratitude. I'm
standing here today because
they believe in the promise of
America, they believe that if
you just work hard and kept
heads down. They could build
something better. But how can
that promise exist if we allow
fear to take hold of our
community? Last you, MADAM
Mayor majority of our city
commissioners made the right
choice to reject in agreement
that would allow Qaida bpd to
collaborate with ice under the
2.87 g program. That decision
reflected the heart of West. A
city that has long prided
itself on being a place of
refuge, a place of compassion,
a place that understands that
community safety does not come
from intimidation. It comes
from trust. Let's be honest.
Programs like 2.87 g don't
make communities safer. They
make immigrants afraid to
report crimes, afraid to seek
help free to exist. And the
truth is when one group in our
community is living in fear,
all of us feel less safe.
Immigrants are not threat. The
threat is allowing fear and
misinformation to shape
policy. I am asking, know, I
urging all of you are city
leaders. Do not walk is back.
Do not trade, courage for
comfort. We must not allow our
local police force to become
an extension of federal
immigration enforcement. That
is not who we are. I love us
because we celebrate
differences here. We one human
family, but that motto might
mean more than a slogan on a
bumper sticker. It must show
up in our decisions and our
policies how we treat the most
vulnerable among us. Mayor and
weekends and city
commissioners. You are brave
ones be brave again. Do not
listen to vote. Stand with
immigrants who make this
island beautiful. Stand with
the families like mine. Stand
up those who still believe in
the dream that brought so many
of the year. History is
watching. And so we. Thank
you. After Jennifer's Robert
know Wiki and then clean
Lopez.
>> My name is Jennifer Coach.
And I make us PRESIDENT And I
fully support the decision.
Made last week to avoid the
2.87 g Agreement. I would like
to encourage the city
commissioners to stick with
their original decision. It
was one of the first mayor
tumors of hope. I think many
of us felt many months. The
courage that was shown
standing up for what you know
is right and humane was
heartening. Now is the time to
continue to be brave and stay
on the right side of history.
Understand the difficult
position this puts you its the
job you signed up for. Human
people are being racially
profiled and kidnapped. Then
being unlawfully and
inhumanely detained in
concentration camps. Trigger
words matter? We've heard
countless stories in that of
the terrible conditions and
unconstitutional detainments
where families and even
lawyers are not able to get in
contact with their level.
Clients? I heard on the news
this morning regarding the
Texas floods that people don't
know where their loved ones
are or whether their letter
that alive or dead. I wish the
government show the same
compassion for immigrant
families who are feeling
similarly after no contact
from their loved one's as
they're being ripped off the
streets out of their homes
away from their jobs. And so
on. This is the beginning.
This is only the beginning.
And while I'm not sitting here
because I'm worried about my
safety or citizenship yet
because I am very afraid of
what the future holds. You
must be able to see the
writing on the wall fully. Let
them get away with this. Now,
where next? Any one of us can
and will be a target and that
you hope someone will stand up
for you when your rights are
being violated. Please stay
strong and do the right thing.
The country is watching and
I'm tired of being ashamed of
being Florida resident, my
husband and I. My husband,
sorry, my husband and I are
originally from Baltimore,
Maryland and the governor of
Maryland Westmore and many
others in similar positions as
yours and as his. Have spot
And many others in similar
positions as un does him have
been very vocal against the
administration and they're
terrible policies. I'd like to
be proud of where I live in
the politicians that represent
my community. So please know
you are not alone in standing
for the right thing. Many
members of our community
support you and other
politicians as well. There is
power and standing with the
people. I'd also like to
comment says about where I'm
from. I come from a community
that is afraid to call police
when things are happening. And
I can assure you when people
are afraid to call the police
is a much more dangerous and
unsafe place for everyone in
my community.
>> Rob is Robert. So Robert,
here, Robert Clayton. And then
Wayne Dempster. CHAIRMAN,
thank you.
>> My name is DR. Rob Nokia
was here last week. Thank you
all again for taking the time
to have this meeting and to
listen to the public. I had a
whole list of talking points
that I wasn't trying candidate
3 minutes and most of them I
don't have to talk about
because they've already been
really eloquently said by
people before me. But really
tonight is not about these
facts. Anyway. We went over
the last week. We went over
the legal situation, went over
the moral situation, win over
the economic situation. Today
is much bigger question, which
is, you know, do we let
ourselves get bullied around?
And I don't know how many
people in this room have been
bullied as a child. I was it
s#
#
. And the thing is, as
other people have said, if you
let a bully bully, you not
only are they going to
continue to do it, they'll be
bold and they're gonna believe
other people. And sometimes
the other people they bully
are less able to defend
themselves. Then you are. And
when that happens, you have a
duty to do something about it.
And I think we're in that
situation tonight. Because of
the things that we discussed
last week. You know. If one of
the reasons why we're all here
tonight is to show solidarity
and our support for you. But
you just have to look at this
and for anybody who's looking
online, this room is full. The
upstairs room is totally full.
The lobby is full. They are
regulating who can come into
the city hall because it's
full because so many people
are here to support you. And
if you continue to stand firm,
we're going to need a bigger
city hall because
>> the city is weak. Your
constituents are with you. We
support you. And if you want
to hold another meeting next
week will be here next week
and will probably have people
from Collier County. You want
to host the 2 weeks from now.
We'll be reaching up to
Orlando. Okay. The reason
people are driving hundreds of
miles to be here tonight is
because they support you and
probably to some degree
because they're elected.
Officials aren't doing what
you were doing. You are
pulling people from elsewhere
because their own people are
not chanting them. You are do
not forget that we are very
proud of you. After after
Clayton is Wayne and then
Erica Jewel.
>> Good Evening. MADAM And
Commission is, you know me.
There's a claim that the
attorney general's letter to
eu states that but you didn't
let your last special meeting
on the subject was a violation
and make us a sanctuary city.
I take issue with the spin
that the ag is put on this
issue in order to pursue his
own violation of that higher
legal authority. The United
States Constitution. Catch a
last meeting. Much was raised
about the 14th Amendment which
guaranteed citizenship the by
birth or by naturalization.
There is a process due process
for both. That's not what's
happening. The people who work
for the city moved in next
door attended school with and
play ball with our children
and grandchildren. Married
into our families and on value
but contributors to our
society are free because they
have become victims. The
governmental overreach and
bullying. The very government
that boasts on its most
visible monument to freedom to
give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses, you're
running to breathe free has
betrayed them. I beseech you
to avoid succumbing to that
bullying by postponing the
vote. On your agenda. Item
number one, until you can
receive input from the city
attorney contracted attorney
or at least give yourself time
to find out the outcome. The
South Miami case are enjoying.
That's the fear of the people.
All it takes for evil to exist
is for good people to do
nothing. I understand the
issues of not wanting
criminals, then seek out the
criminals as had been done in
the past and stop seeking
quotas for the sake of the
numbers. One final thought
each of you on the Dias was I
the ball on came here seeking
something to Key West offer
too. Some your grandparents
and great grandparents came
from islands from all over the
Caribbean. Do you see the
correlation? It's no different
than those people who risked
their lives. Many of them
seeking a better life, not for
themselves, but for their
children. Many of those people
are your current business
owners, employers and labor
U.S. Today. Again, please
postpone is item. You've had
other success. The suggestions
presented to you. I also ask
that you draft a letter
demonstrating support for the
extension, the temporary
status, not just for patients,
but for all its intended. When
this is all over with our
model still be one human
family.
After Wayne is Erica.
And then Zach Forward.
>> My name is Wayne dab,
resident of Key West. I am a
U.S. Navy officer with 28
years of commission service
currently retired. I'm a
practicing attorney for the
past 40 years. The last 25 in
Key West. I represent
individuals and families
before the immigration courts,
the immigration Service,
deportation offices and U.S.
Department of State and
consulates. I estimate I
represented between 5 7,000
persons here in Key West. I'm
considered to be one of the
experts immigration law in
South Florida. As a lawyer, I
represent individuals are
pulling their rights under the
Constitution and U.S. Laws.
The 2.87 agreement he's being
asked Key West to sign but key
wpd under the direction and
supervision of ice in the
performance of immigration
duties. The interpretation
actions by ice of the laws of
Florida. And of the Aqsa laws
of the U.S. In mortar
situations. Are in direct
contradiction to those laws.
And the night the actual
facts. Florida Law says that
police must have reasonable
suspicion of a crime in order
to ask immigration-related
questions. I says they do not
need to follow that law. When
a person arrives the southern
border there legally outside
the U.S. Until interviewed and
approved and then issued a
parole to enter. Is illegal
entry. Yet ice claims without
That is a crime to act to
enter that way. And thus they
can arrest someone any time.
Despite having a pending
asylum case. Court hearing
scheduled pending benefit
applications. Our legal status
to be here. No criminal
record. These allegations
about act, ice's actions and
interpretations should be
examined and documented before
any decision is made. On the
cooperation with ice in
enforcement operations.
Currently in cooperation with
the fhp. Is continuing to stop
and take into custody citizens
of Key West as recently as
this morning. Despite the
citizens having lawful status.
This forces the the clients to
expend significant resources
in time and money. To obtain
their release from lawfully
tension. I pose a significant
bonds of ice to the court.
After Erica. We have Zach
Forward and then Bird that
foster.
>> My name is Erika Jewel and
I live in District 5. I was
born and raised in Key West
and I love the cosmopolitan
and open-minded nature of our
small town. Not only do we
play host to tourists from all
over the world, our community
is composed of a diverse group
of outsiders who we welcome I
know a bit about what being an
outsider and immigrant feels
like to the 13 years I lived
outside of the states,
although other countries treat
Americans much better than we
treat anyone edition,
different nationality. I'm
ashamed of the PRESIDENT Of
the Mast ice agents I see on
our streets and I'm ashamed
that my immigrant friends are
afraid to be out in public.
But last week's decision made
me so proud to be key West.
Our city is making
international news by standing
for what is right. My friends
across the world have reached
out to tell me that they've
had about last week's decision
in their media. Although I
find it shameful that in
America we make decisions
based on the economic rather
than human costs of our laws.
The economic cost of this
agreement have already been
made clear. Certainly we're
not even discussing opposing
the presence of ice in our
community and this needing
simply whether we want local
police to act as ice. Let use
its own massive budget to
train its own officers. Please
don't cave to the attorney
generals attempts to
intimidate you. We support you
and I hope they'll continue to
make us proud by voting no to
entering into it to 87 g
Agreement. Joining South
Manny's lawsuit and yes to
extending tps for Haitian
community. Thank you. And sack
here safc Forward.
>> And about Foster and then
Elizabeth through us. Forgive
me for speaking extemporaneous
Lee. I thought it was signing
up just to be here.
>> It's true. I'm sure you can
feel proud everyone is for how
you voted last week you can
feel it in your hearts. But I
have to say the fact that we
are all here today p#
#
you
not to go full, not see is a
little bit I hope everyone
knows what that word means. It
means reprehensible. And I
know how much your jobs s#
#
because I was also a political
candidate. A few years ago, I
ran for mayor of my hometown
and skin Alice, New York. The
lake was getting polluted. I
stood up against homophobia
and racism and they tried to
run me out of town. I lost the
vote. The police were
weaponized against me. The ecl
you gave me a lawyer's pro
bono, the editorial board at
the Syracuse Post champion Me.
I think the first rate white
guy that the aclu or give
lawyers to that's have bad
things are getting in the
United States. But I just
wanted to say if I rebound
handwriting, you guys are
doing the right thing. But if
you're worried about losing
your jobs and un is coming
here, we will simply out vote.
You and you will not be
renewing longer anyway. You
can feel how galvanize we are.
And I will personally run for
mayor and my parents might
hear a
>> I think playing pretty
already.
>> My parents I here in the
1970's. I was conceived here.
That makes my skin my
spiritual home Didi. You know
me. I'm the one who
interviewed you about and one
is for the Oxford American
icon to you, humorously as
slippery in basin because
you're not immune opinion and
whether you hated or loved one
is please keep that tongue in
cheek. Journalist equip,
humorous prove wrong that you
will do the right thing in
white. I know how much it
s#
#
to fight, but you. Do.
And I just moved back to
Florida. Like woman said, I do
not want to be to the from
Florida. I don't even tell
people I want to go to New
York and Ali that I live
Florida on the dating apps.
They keep off the dating apps.
But please do the right Thank
you. After her best is
Elizabeth. And most a leak.
>> Good evening, mayor and
commissioners. My name is
private Foster and I'm
attorney with the community
Justice Project. We are at
with firm in Miami and we have
come to talk to you tonight in
support your constituents. We
have litigated on the very
issues of sanctuary bands and
best effort provisions in the
past. We've also over the last
decade represented local
governments to vindicate their
rights to make sure that the
state is not engaging in
overreach. And so in 2019,
specifically, we represent the
city South Miami in a federal
case challenging the very
provisions that are at issue
today. Office has been
tracking the enactment of 2 87
g in the legislature. We've
also been tracking its
implementation across the
state. It's important to make
clear in hopefully this
echoing of legal analysis will
ring true with you all. 2.87 g
agreements are not mandatory
in the state. It's clear based
on the plain language of the
statute. Legal key west as
well as any city in the state
of Florida does not have an
obligation to enter into this
agreement. So instead, what
we're seeing is the governor
and the attorney general using
fear and intimidation to 4
cities across the state to
engage in conduct that far
exceeds Florida state law
requirements. Nonetheless, to
let you know, you are not
alone. Less than half of all
Florida law enforcement
agencies have signed on to
2.86 to 87 g Agreement. And in
fact, nationally we're seeing
a vanishing number of cities
fewer than 35 across the
country outside the state that
have taken steps to deputize
their law enforcement
agencies. You are not alone.
Qs. We applaud this
commission's clear and
measured approach to the
issues before you. You all
have entered and resolved a
thoughtful and legally sound
resolution that you passed on
JUNE 30th. There's nothing
there that probably key West
Police Department, any
prohibition with federal
immigration authorities there
is no sanctuary policy here
and there's no violation of
the best efforts clause which
is mischaracterized by the
attorney general in his
letter, what you all did is
clear. It was simply a
correction of the void
contracts signed by the chief
of police. That's all. It is
our analysis, actually, that
key West at this time
currently sits in the
strongest legal standing of
any city in the state to
vindicate the rights of
municipalities to govern
themselves as they see fit and
as their constituents desire.
Key West has the opportunity
here to ensure that all
cities. Kerry, can you call
the next one. Please. Thank
you. After Elizabeth is Emma
and then Heather Swift Co
Bathurst.
>> Good evening, MADAM Mayor
and the Commission. My name is
Elizabeth Threes.
>> I am currently a law
student working over the
summer on the rights of cities
and participating with the
2.87 g Agreement and the
impact of its implementation
in our communities. I am in
Miami-Dade County resident. I
had the ability to drive for
hours to speak. Before I
speak, what I prepared, I want
to take a moment to tell you
what I hope you already know.
You have an incredible
community here. Words spoken
from your constituents are so
moving, you can feel the
kindness, integrity and
empathy of these key West
residents. There's something
beautiful that you all have
here that I have never seen
before. That should mean
something to you. Service
community in an era of
loneliness where you have here
is worth being brave and
courageous for. Many of us
here are deeply concerned with
how far the state's executive
body is willing to go in
taking the rights of local
authority. This executive
overreach would like to
determine what is in the best
interest of your community.
Has duly elected officials.
You took an oath to faithfully
perform the duties of this
office with this. It is your
responsibility to represent
your constituents in a matter
that protects and defends the
autonomy of the city. With
cities are not required to
enter into the 2.87 g
Agreement. It is a choice and
one that would be in Key
West's best interest to not
support. There's immense power
and local government. The
governor and attorney general
are utilizing fear tactics to
force the beautiful city of
Key West to enter into this
agreement under duress. There
are other routes available. We
the people implore you to
utilize any and all resources,
especially the voice of your
constituents. This commission
is in a unique position to
retain its power support the
needs of the community. If you
stand for nothing. What will
you fall for? Thank you for
our time. After Emma is
Heather and then Tessa Pettit.
Good evening Commissioners.
Hello. My name is Emma failing
and I'm a proud member of they
key West Immigrant support
network.
>> I'm expert excerpts from a
letter from the aclu of
Florida. This letter was sent
to all of you via e-mail
yesterday, the American Civil
Liberties Union, Florida is a
non-partisan organization
whose mission is to protect,
defend, strengthen and promote
the constitutional rights and
liberties of all people in
Florida. We write to you
regarding the attorney
General. James Uthmeier is
correspondence to the city
Commission dated JULY 2nd. The
attorney general claims that
the commission's JUNE 30th
vote to avoid the city's
existing 2.87 g Agreement with
ice violates Florida statute
and refers to the possibility
of suspension from office as
consequence. But the attorney
general's arguments and threat
rely on false premises. First,
the attorney general claims
that when a city terminates
the 2 nd 87 g Agreement, the
city of violates Florida's
prohibition on sanctuary
policies. But the plain text
of the statute makes it makes
no such a leap. The relevant
statutes are Florida statute
sections. 908, 0.1, 0, 3, and
908, 0.1, 0, 2, neither of
which are violated when the
city avoid the 2.87 g
Agreement. Second, the
attorney general asserts that
Key West avoiding its 2.87 g
agreement violates Florida's
best efforts clause. The
statute does not require
cities to undertake 2.87 g
agreements, nor does it
prohibit them from voiding
such agreements. There are
numerous ways that local law
enforcement agencies could
comply with this obligation
without. Implementing 2.87 g
agreements. Additionally,
Governor Ron DeSantis has no
constitutional authority to
suspend municipal off airs
under these circumstances that
that's the governor and
attorney general are willfully
misreading Florida law at
worst, their delivery
deliberately distorting it in
order to bully locally
elected. Officials using the
threat of retaliation to be
clear under Florida law. The
city of Key West is not
required to enter or maintain
2.87 g agreement with ice. No
state or federal law requires
any law enforcement agency to
transform its employees into
another agency's officers just
to participate in an operation
yet to the attorney General's
Strange logic, any local
government entity in Florida
could be required to turn over
the entirety of its law
enforcement resources to
federal immigration efforts.
This makes no sense and it is
not the law. A free state
respects local officials to
make choices that make sense
for their communities. It does
not weaponized the law to
punish those who disagree
with. But the political agenda
of state officials, we urge
you to resist authoritarian
threats and to listen to the
constituents who you serve.
2.87 g programs, transform
local law enforcement into
immigration agents and sit at
the significant local cost.
They also lead to illegal
racial profiling. Other civil
rights abuses, local officials
fulfill their responsibility
by thinking. After Heather's
Tessa and then Erica Rose.
>> How there's the about
there's 14, 17 e street, 15
years. Fresh water conch
mother of a 2 and a half year
old salt water. Calm point
here in Key West Hospital. I'm
meeting today op-ed written by
Javier Fernandez, former state
representative and current
mayor of South Miami in
support of the city of Key
West. This week, this Key West
City Commission voted 6 to one
to avoid its 2.87 g Agreement
with U.S. Immigration.
>> And Customs Enforcement has
an attorney and the mayor of
South Miami who recently took
the state of Florida to court
over this very issue. I
applaud their decision. Other
local governments should take
note Florida law requires
local jailers to enter into
2.87 g agreements to
facilitate and honor
immigration detainer requests.
It does not compel cities to
deputize local police as
immigration agents. That
distinction is at the heart of
the lawsuit. South Miami filed
in circuit earlier this year.
Key West's commission
understood that distinction.
The agreement, its chief of
police signed in MARCH also
never received community input
or legislative approval by
rescinding it. The city
reaffirmed 2 principles,
procedural transparency and
community trust tourism is the
lifeblood of the key pushing
immigrant workers and visitors
into the shadows makes
everyone less safe and hurts
the local economy. As mayors,
we are sworn to protect all
who reside and work in and
visit our cities affected
policing depends on trust.
Victims reporting crimes.
Witnesses coming forward.
Parents trusting officers
stationed outside schools
turning local police into
proxy ice agents chills that
trust and undermines public
safety. Key West's decision
also exposes the hollowness of
the do it or else threats
coming from Tallahassee. If
the state really wanted to a
70 to be mandatory for
municipalities, it would have
made it law during this year's
special session. Instead,
lawmakers rejected that very
proposal. Q s commissioner
showed courage and fidelity to
the rule of law and to their
constituents. South Miami
stands with us in our legal
challenge will continue
because the rule of law and
our oath office constituents
should carry more weight. The
political intimidation from
Tallahassee. This is my
personal note. Commissioners.
Are up urge you to uphold the
decision you made last week
and postpone the resolution in
front of you today. Let the
courts decide in South Miami v
DeSantis, we are in an
incredibly fragile legal
situation currently. But right
now the law is on our side.
Remember, we never entered
into a 2.87 g agreement.
Something you yourselves
confirmed last week and that's
have not effectively exited
one either. It is an
incredibly subtle this
distinction, but it is also an
incredibly clever one. The
threats and it was Meyers
letter are that's incredible.
As of now that being said,
voting on this agreement
tonight, regardless of the way
that the vote goes, moves
those threats from empty to
ballot. I urge you please
postpone the resolution. Thank
you. So test to Erica and then
share the Patton. Good
afternoon. And this
opportunity speaking on behalf
of the Florida immigrant
coalition.
>> And a resident of mandate
and advocate for immigrants
rights. Mayor and
commissioners that the city of
Key West first and foremost,
thank you for bravery in
voting. Against having a city
of Key West enter into a 2.87
g agreement last week. You
gave hope 2 immigrants in
these dark times reminding us
that for some people we do
matter. Know that we are
grateful for you setting the
example for other CDs in the
state. It made a difference to
me because I am to an
immigrant. We're here to
confirm that you are not
required to sign into a 2.87
g. The Florida legislature
introduced making 2.87 g
mandatory for local
municipalities in the 2025
special Legislative session.
And again, during regular
session. And in both times it
did not pass all the efforts
of the attorney general to
strong arm you to go against
the will of the people. Our
state overreach and the use of
fear and intimidation against
people that the community and
elected to be their voice on
the dice. Back in 2012. The
Department of Homeland
Security cancel the task force
model because it encourage
racial profiling and civil
rights concerns. 2.87 g do
nothing more than divide
communities. Create a state of
fear in our communities. We
immediately see a reduction in
crimes being reported and
increase in domestic violence
increase in health issues,
reduce access to health care.
It destroys businesses and
therefore the economy and
gives the past the people to
openly and shame of the
exercise their racism. The
immigrants in your community
are not criminals. Patients.
And added yesterday,
Nicaraguans Hondurans and
Venezuelans on tps will soon
be added to the long list of
targets that you will be
giving to a police officers
and soon enough, the
naturalized citizens.
Suffering from being targeted,
feeling unwanted constantly,
unsure about how day will end.
Every police will become a
hunter after them and their
children. You have the people
support and the Vigo right to
not enter into a 2.87 g
agreement in 24 hours over 420
people set to your inbox
letters confirming support to
you? You have heard from
lawyers and committee members
since there are doubts on your
rights and to make sure you do
not pay into the state's
efforts to set precedents that
would allow them to every
municipalities power and
eventually the people's rights
do not vote on this. Thank
you.
>> After Erica, it's Sheila
Patton and then Daria would.
Good morning.
>> I've been living and
working Key West for about 7
years now and at the
philosophy of one human
family. 2 years ago, I stood
in this spot when the city was
going to pass a resolution
defending our cities tracked
cleans trans neighbors and
clear citizens. I asked the
question, what is the city
going to do? What action are
they going to take? Because
words are cheap. Vice mayor
cough and listen to me and
address those concerns. One of
our commissioners blamed their
constituents to just lay down
and let DeSantis walk over us.
Some know me as Michael but
globally on known as Erica
Rose, the Drag Queen who ran
for your state representative
last year under the platform
of human rights and homer,
all. And here we are facing a
situation that endangers both.
I was unable to attend last
week's meeting because living
in Key West, you have to work
3 full time But there are few
things I wanted to say. Some
of them you MAY have already
heard deserve to hear again.
There's a difference between
standing aside and letting the
federal law enforcement do
their job and actively
standing in their way. We are
not a sanctuary city. A
resident is caught allegedly
committing a crime, they go
through the court system. If
they are found guilty and then
it has discovered they are
undocumented. We hand them
over to the appropriate
authorities to let them be
deported. However, entering
the country on documented as
not a crime. It is that of a
civil offense. Very much
similar to a parking ticket
and you generally don't get a
rested for a parking ticket.
However, racial profiling is
illegal and unethical. The
kidnapping and trafficking of
our citizens. Regardless of
their immigration status
without being proven guilty of
a crime, it's also illegal and
against City resolution. 17
Dash one, 50. Florida Senate
bill 4 see passed earlier this
year. Would make entering our
state undocumented a crime.
However, that is currently
being blocked by federal.
Judges and attorney general.
Meyer has been found in
contempt for filing this
ruling. The defense of the
Nuremberg defense or I was
just following orders is shaky
at best and dangerous at
worst. Trump will not stay in
office for ever and neither
will DeSantis when they're
asked writing the history
books I ask, How do you want
to be remembered? So
personally, I tell you, please
reject this resolution
professionally. I say postpone
it and see what the courts
have to say. As a community.
And as a culture, it doesn't
belong in our streets belongs
in our cocktails.
>> Shana Daria and Mark
Watson. MADAM Mayor and
commissioners, thank you so
much. My name is Sheila and I
have luckily called que home
for most of my life. I sat in
this meeting last week
completely in all and inspired
by everyone who spoke. And
although this kind of thing
really terrifies me, what
scares me more is the blind
eye that people are willing to
turn about this very real
issue. More than that actually
have watched as people
gleefully cheered the
kidnapping of people by masked
men, many of whom refused to
identify themselves. People's
rights being stripped away as
if that could mean any of us
are next. I've read all of
these violent and hateful
comments on our local Facebook
page is people literally
talking about running folks
over in their trucks and
assaulting women and some of
the worst things that I have
ever seen and holla can think
of is that that is not the
spirit of Key West. And while
they hide behind keyboards to
spew their vitriol, those of
us with love and hope and
bravery in our hearts are here
in this room right now
fighting for its right. And
this is the spirit of to us.
This is one human family. How
many of us are in Qs because
we are lucky enough to have
family members who were
immigrants themselves,
including myself. I was not
born here. I was brought here
as a kid. I was raised by my
uncle who was a Cuban
immigrant. His family fled
Cuba in the 50's to build a
life here in South Florida.
And luckily for me here in
West, I remember sitting in
classic U.S. High school
learning of all the atrocities
of World War, 2 asking myself
how people could possibly
stand by and do nothing while
their neighbors and loved ones
and their friends were taken.
And I see it happening in real
time and I refuse to be
silent. Our key West High
school mascot, cheesy as this
might sound is the fighting
Kong. Right now I feel like
all of us need to channel that
fighting and fight for what we
know in our hearts to be
right. I've also spent the
last 3 years working for a
local tour company taking
immense pride in the culture
of this island. And really
deeply into the entire history
of que estan discovering how
crucial the immigrant
immigrant community has been
in shaping island, the
resilience and vibrancy of
this island would not exist
without immigrants. There is a
minority group here in Key
West that is possibly making
the island a little bit worse
for wear because none of us
can afford to live here. But
those entirely different
discussion. I know that it's
scary to stand up to this
increasingly fascist
administration, but we all
know that they are on the
wrong side of history already.
It's often these little
pockets of resistance that
gives strength to the hole and
we cannot back down now. So
urge you not to be coward
cowed by these heartless
police. We can't passions. And
when we have a chance to
inspire even more cities to
stand up and do what's right
Thank you very much. After
Daria is Mark and then Jeffrey
Segal.
>> MADAM Mayor Commissioners,
neighbors, friends as a
privilege to stand here today
as we work together to make
our city a better place. You
know, given me hope that we
really can make a difference.
And for now, at least we still
have a voice. What concerns me
is that our leaders and
Tallahassee are trying to take
up a ways away and yet somehow
plan that we are free. And
agreement by definition, some
very site is a negotiation
between 2 parties to come
together in a harmonious
arrangement, decided by both
sides cheaper was told and
sincerely believe that this
was mandatory and that he
could lose his job he didn't
sign it. What we were entered
into was a coercion thinly
veiled as an agreement and
built upon fear and threats
choosing to not only tolerate
but enable those who abuse
their elected power to
threaten us, threaten your
jobs, threaten to withhold
funding. That's a corruption
and abuse of power for That's
how we turned a blind eye to
bullies. That's how fear grows
the privilege of living in
this great city because of my
dad who served in the Navy
here during Vietnam. My dad
loved his country and his
neighbors. He was a man of
faith who was kind to
everyone. And one thing he
always told my brothers and me
fear is the opposite of love.
When we make decisions out of
fear, we leave ourselves a
stray from our higher calling
this world a calling to be
brave and just and honorable
to be the best versions of
ourselves. I understand that
you're under immense pressure
and that people are trying to
politicize this issue so they
can manipulate it to serve
their agendas. Do not going to
did this is not about
politics. And we saw last week
has business owner set up and
explained how is affecting all
of a simple financial
logistics alone. This is about
taking our hard working police
force and turning them into
puppets for department that
already has their own funding
and manpower. It's putting
them in an unfair position
with their community, taking
them away from valuable time
protecting and serving and
forcing us to put a foot. The
if I'm not mistaken, the House
just passed a big beautiful
bill to triple funding for
immigration and custom.
Important for cement. If I'm
not mistaken, that funding
totals around 100 billion
dollars. All said so why do we
need to do their jobs for
them? Exactly. Why are we
being threatened? I'll tell
you why. Peak Hawking power
wielding bullying, trying to
take away your rights as a
governing body and send us the
message. You don't have a
choice in matters of defense
in your own city. A mandatory
agreement that's literally an
oxymoron. Silencing overriding
and coercion. That's not
democracy. Commissioners,
that's not democracy. That's
dictatorship. Ice is going to
continue about their mask
mission without
accountability. Transparency,
Art Harris, to due process,
you might be tempted to go to
the attorney general's threats
because they do. They want to
financially penalize us. But
are we already being
financially penalize if we pay
for their work? They want to
fire you, but they didn't hire
you. We did. We are standing
behind you. I chose last week
when Commissioner Leon's
moment of bravery is former
chief and current
commissioner. His decision to
fall for what he felt his
heart was right. Even though
it was hard inspired all of
us. So then at threats, I will
happily pay more taxes. If
that means I can go to sleep
at night with a clear
conscience. Knowing that I
made my decisions logic and
fairness and honor and love,
not fear. Thank you for
continuing to defend us and
our police and for making your
decisions today. After Mark is
Jeff and then Angela Hankins.
>> Now mayor commissioners. We
have to stop meeting like
this. Come to my bar. I'd
rather see you there of
waiting on some of the before
the world's in chaos right
now. Every day I wake up and I
try to find some shred of good
in my fellow humans. Being a
bartender in a tourist town,
you can imagine just how
daunting a task that is when
you deal with trunks all day
long. But last week you did
something good. You did
something brace. You gave us
hope a light at the end of the
tunnel. If you can go back on
that, you're going to destroy
the island's economy. It's
Morales, humanity. We went
over this last week and that's
what this is. It's humanity.
Get rid of the political. This
is not about being a Democrat.
This is not about being
Republican. This is good
versus bad. This is right
versus wrong. It's the golden
roles. It's being human. It's
having compassion. And
speaking of compassion,
something I didn't get to last
week have a lot of compassion
for the key West Police
Department. I have a lot of
compassion. Compassion. I have
for them. I don't want them
brought into this. They
deserve better. We deserve
better. It's a hollow report.
Stealing not recognizing your
country down right now. Don't
make it a hard feeling. Not
recognizing the town you call
home and the town that you
live. Good people ready stand
up to bullies. After Jeff is
Angela and then Ricky Arnold.
Jeffs Eagleson 27 Washington
street. I'm representing
myself tonight last week at
the meeting I rewatched
witness something that I think
was one of the best things
I've ever seen in local
government. And I don't mean
to make feel uncomfortable
that a bit. Commissioner Lee
came in to that meeting and
said you know, I felt I was
going to vote a certain way.
But and he mentioned heart
multiple times that his heart
was swayed by this community.
That is the basis of democracy
that works. And then he
switched his vote because of
that. We found a commissioner
who who found his heart and in
all sincerity, I think was the
best thing I've ever seen.
Similarly. And the mayor and I
disagree on variety of issues.
But she demonstrated the
ability to demonstrate courage
last week and I and and I
would get on the highest
mountain proclaim that. So we
had a commissioner, the foun.
Found his heart be found at a
member of the found their
courage in this Wizard of Oz
Moment. What we need to find
this week is wisdom and the
wisdom that we need to realize
is that you did not void the
agreement last week as was
reported by the press in so
many places as worries
reported by the attorney
general. You did not avoid it
as You found it voided you
founded void as an adjective,
which means that it never
existed. We are in the exact
same spot as South Miami. And
we really can't vote you if
you vote up to if you vote to
approve first agenda item,
you're going to create a lot
of hate here because no one
wants this. If you vote no on
it because of the way it's
worded. You're putting your
your own seats in jeopardy. We
don't want you to do that
either. What we want you to do
is postponed this Let's wait
and use some wisdom. Find out
what happens with South Miami.
So again, the thing to do is
right before you vote, please.
3 times. Click your heels
together say there's no place
like home and vote to postpone
Thank you. After Angela is
Ricky and then Lori Kelly.
Joining all the other folks
who did this scared. So.
>> Good evening. Mayor
commissioners and staff. My
name is Angela Hankins Service
community as an educator for
over 20 years in the
classroom. I teach students to
think critically to listen.
Respectfully and to engage in
dialogue even when it's hard.
Because that's how democracy
works. That's how we solve
problems. That's how we grow
stronger as a community. What
we're witnessing now in
response to your decision to
avoid participation void,
adjective physician
participation and 2.87 g is
not democracy. Its bullying.
And as an educator, I know
bullying when I see it, the
threats and intimidation
coming from the governor and
the attorney general are
designed not to foster
dialogue but to silence it.
They're attempting to punish
this body for engaging in a
very kind of public discourse
that democracy demands. I want
to thank you for your original
decision. By avoiding that
agreement to participate in
the 2.87 g program was a
lawful valujet and choice that
reflected a commitment to
local control and public
safety. I believe our
neighbors and local business
owners, the people who spoke
last week. They highlighted
how this program has
contributed to racial
profiling, unjust detentions
and a breakdown of the trust
between immigrant communities
and law enforcement. You stood
up to the people who live and
work here and you did so
within the full scope of your
legal authority. But police
don't care about law or
nuance. They care about
control. And right now the
pressure you're facing is not
just about immigration policy.
It is also about whether
locally elected officials will
be allowed to make decisions
for their own communities
without being threatened or
silenced. If that precedent is
set the damage to democracy
won't stop here. This
commission has the support of
the people. If Key West and a
dedicated team of pro bono,
legal advocates ready to
defend your First Amendment
rights and your authority
under the law. You do not
stand alone. Your constituents
are asking you, please do not
see your authority as locally
elected officials. And finally
and my work. We tell our
students that healthy
democracy relies on reasoned
debate, not coercion. On
courage, not fear. So I urge
you to hold the line to show
our young people and the
entire state that in Key West,
we believe and to mock the
Democratic process. And we do
not allow police to govern
with fear. Please post on this
item and allow the courts.
Thank you for your time. Your
leadership and your integrity
so after Ricky, we have Lori
and then Lola Cook. Was a
timer. It's on the lectern to
see the order to get that.
Good. Rookie Arnold. 4 Bay
Drive q a I'm here to. Tell
ya, I come. From here. I'm 5
generations. I married to
wife.
>> There has come from
communism. I want to go
through the citizenship
process becoming U.S. Citizen.
I've watched her family come
over and vote been with her
watched you. Her family come
over the border. I've watched
the one from both have to a
setback. Not sure where sister
is gone. The problem, I think
the key West is facing as a
whole. Is we have a lot of
rare e very good aggressive.
Come here even to America as a
whole. There's a lot of
hardworking people. And I take
nothing from. To get up to
work hard every day to take
because it's cooler to do
everything supposed to do. My
problem comes in. Is when I
see New York and California
and I see these other blue
states. That if we listen and
I'm not going to try not to
There's a lot of people in
this room that have come from
other states. The reason
they're coming here. It's
because we have control of our
island. The moment this island
becomes a sanctuary state. We
won't be having to be have
safe. Think we are going to
have to try and figure out how
to protect the very people
that are in here defending
people that are here when the
bad ones come. I'm saying.
Sign it back of the federal
government. And let's figure
out a way to fight and have
the immigration corrected. But
as for now, we need to protect
home. First. And then help
with immigration law. Second.
We come first. After Lori is
Lola and then Julie Hill.
>> I'm Lauren Kelly and I'm
here as a member of the Key
West Immigrant coalition and
the Immigrant Support Network.
And just because I love this
island.
>> And I gotta say I am
surprisingly in agreement with
MR. Arnold.
>> I think he's right. We need
to protect our island first
and deal with immigration.
Second. So I would like you
listen my beginning statement,
which is a quote from an
auspicious age who once said
slow down this ain't the
>> Last week you took a stand
to support our police chief by
agreeing to submit the 2.87
agreement to your thorough
review to ensure that the
police officers can continue
to keep our community safe.
Without exposing him to extra
costs or liability. When faced
with an immediate threat from
the state officials.
Understand why the mayor
called this meeting and she
acted quickly to bring this
item to the commission. And we
appreciate that. You're
allowing us to deliberate this
together. We want you to
protect us. But thankfully
your decision last week allows
us to work at our island pace
and avoid rushing this
decision. You've given a
strong legal back up for
postponing item. One. Wow.
Approving items too, which
give us the backup of kind of
hiding behind South Miami to
wait and see what the
legislation and the judiciary
decide. And then we can also
agree on item 3. Which is just
simply to support the
extension that is already on
the books going through the
courts for Haitian tps. I
would encourage you to just
slow this down a bit for 2
reasons. We can avoid
significant litigation costs.
Administration has made the
claim that ice agents do not
need to follow due process.
But this claim not been
settled in court and directing
our Key West pd officers to
participate in actions like
that leaves us open to
judgments like the 2018 Peter
Brown case when Monroe County
paid out hundreds of thousands
of dollars in fines for
improperly detaining one
person. So the people who
litigated that case, Natalia
Duke, the PRESIDENT Took
immigration. The aclu, both of
them have given new statements
that gives you a clear path to
avoid this in the future. The
second is that when you took
the time to move it, Island
pace, you allow us.
>> So after Lolo, we have
Julie Hill and then Maggie
would Good evening.
>> My name is Lola Cook. And
today I'm speaking for myself
as well as on behalf of my
mother, Sarah Compton, a local
business owner who couldn't be
here tonight. We reside in our
register to vote in 19, 0, 1,
South Roosevelt Boulevard. I'm
speaking today with urgency
and heartbreak because I know
why we're here. And I know
what you think you have to do.
A few days ago, this
commission made a brave and
morally sound decision. You
voted to end a voluntary
agreement that made our police
department part of the fear
driven machinery of ice. You
did that knowing the attorney
general would come after you.
And now here we are. I want to
remind everyone in this room
that what you did was not
illegal. You are not violating
the law. You are not declaring
a sanctuary city. You simply
chose not to voluntarily
participate in a program that
has led to people being taken
from their jobs off our
streets and disappearing.
People who have done nothing
wrong. Many of whom are
working through legal
immigration channels. You did.
What Key West has always
claimed to do you protected
your people? And because of
that, you're being threatened
with removal with punishment,
with political violence
disguised as legal
consequence. Let's call it
what it is. Intimidation. And
if it works, if you back down
now than the message that you
send to your community is this
when the state comes for you?
We'll let them. And I got it.
You're tired. You've been
through h#
#
with internal
investigations. Indictments,
power, struggles. Maybe you're
wondering if you have anything
left to fight with, but I'm
here to tell you this is the
fight worth having. If you're
going to spend political
capital spending on protecting
the people who live and work
in this community, if you're
going to stand for something,
let it be for dignity. Not
compliance. Let it be for
humanity, not political
safety. You gave this
community something we haven't
had a long time. And if you
undo that boat now you don't
just a policy you undo that
hope. You proved to the state
that a little pressure is all
it takes to crack key west.
But if you stand firm, you
send a different message that
we are not afraid of. Police,
that we are not pawns and that
this commission will not be
used to prop up an
authoritarian governor's
agenda, fear and division.
Stand up, only want to see z
and it's not a stand at all.
It's just survival. What you
did last week was bold. It was
rare and it was good. Please
don't undo it. Now, don't
trade courage for comfort. The
leaders we hope to wear key
West. The state needs to see
and be the line that doesn't
After Julie is Maggie and then
hurts us.
>> Hi, my name is Julie. Houma
resident, a key I want to
sincerely thank you.
>> For the decision you made
on JUNE 30 s we recognize the
immense pressure you face and
the serious threats directed
at you. Your courage in that
moment did not go unnoticed.
And we are here to support
you. We are urging you once
again not to allow our police
department to enter any
partnership with ice. We do
not want or local law
enforcement aligned with
federal immigration
enforcement. The choice you
make now will define your
leadership. If you give in to
the governor's pressure, you
turn away from the very people
who elected you are pleading
with you not to take this
pass. The nation is watching.
This is a crucial moment for
both principal leadership. We
want you to be brave. I urge
you to stand up and meet this
moment with decisive legal
action. We have the right to
self-govern without fear of
intimidation. And while the
governor MAY be applying
pressure, I ask you to remain
steadfast. This is not just a
local issue. It's part of a
much larger pattern of
overreach. Communities across
the country are facing. You
have the opportunity to lead
with strength, integrity and
courage. The decision you make
today will have real economic
consequences. People across
the country in the world are
already reconsidering travel
to Florida due to harmful and
dangerous policies. But you
have the power to show them
that we don't bow to unlawful
threats that we stand up for.
What's right. That's the key
West. We want the world to
see. I police support first
extending tps for a Haitian
community. It pains me deeply
that we have to have to frame
this conversation in terms of
numbers to justify the
protection of human lives.
Still, if you must talk in
terms impact, the data is
clear in 2022 Haitian tps
holders and those eligible
from the program contributed
estimated 222, but I'm sorry.
22 billion in wages to the
U.S. Economy. They filled over
600,000 jobs. Many of them in
industries are already
struggling with labor
shortages in key West. We
simply cannot afford to lose
this hardworking and the vital
work force. But beyond the
economic argument, it's
something far more important.
Human reality, he still
remains under us travel
advisory due to extreme an
ongoing instability. Those
returned to Haiti face not
only economic collapse and a
humanitarian crisis, but also
widespread gang violence,
including the terrifying
threat of rape and
persecution. Protecting
Haitian tps holders isn't just
the right thing to do
economically. It's the moral
thing to do. Thank you.
Banking is Maggie here. It
will go. Yeah. Okay. That's
fun. And then Stacy Stall. I'm
so proud of everybody in this
room tonight. Good evening.
Commissioners and city staff.
I want to thank you for
providing the documents on the
city's website regarding the
2.87 g agreements. I've been
doing some reading.
>> I also want to thank you
for listening to your
constituents and boarding the
agreement at our last meeting.
However, I think you're wrong
to consider to reconsider. And
here is why. What kind of
state to we live in where a
governor and his attorney
general who's in contempt of
court, by the way, think they
have the right to threaten us.
With facts that are not really
that impressive. If even true,
anyone who checks out the
sheriff's office arrest log
everyday knows that we have
citizens of our own that are
doing the same thing. We still
live in one of the safest
counties in the state. On top
of that, they expect us to
trust a man who continues to
pass laws that strip people of
their rights and the courts
have to remind him they are
unconstitutional and shut them
down. And he's a lawyer. We
should have known what to
expect from a former jag
officer at who was somewhat
Lucy Goose see with the Geneva
Convention. Is immigration
policy broken? Yes, but that
blame rests on the federal
government who refuses to fix
it. And the donors who own
them. Let's get real. So now
we're being asked or coerced
to help with a policy that is
cruel on American racist and
wrong-headed. At some point,
the governed. Need to stand up
and say no. They don't really
need our help. They're
building a massive ice force
or police state from the
funding they got in their new
budget. The h#
#
with poor
folks, veterans the sick and
disabled much less the
undocumented. They are bullies
and cowards. Does it really
take 8 armed masked men and 3
police dogs to grab one woman
off the street and separate
her from her child. They don't
really want our help. They
want to subjugate Make us. He
used to living in fear. Are we
brave enough to draw the line?
I urge you to join the lawsuit
with South Miami. We are not
the only city in Florida who
has said no. We must continue
to say no. This might just
give others the balls to do
the same thing. We the people
say no. So after Maggie, we
have Stacy and then Tyler that
are sure. Good afternoon,
MADAM. MADAM, Mayor, City
commissioners and staff. My
name is Maggie come.
>> I live and own a business
and district one. 3 weeks ago.
Through a simple Internet
search that anyone could have
done. I discovered agreements,
but Sheriff Ramsey and chief
Brandenburg signed to partner
with ice. It was me. I
probably couldn't those
documents be hard share that
with Commissioner Kaufman.
Shockingly neither nor the was
aware of these agreements.
Simultaneously. Community
advocates had already begun to
organize good people with
limited time and resources
sprang into action. We started
sharing information or that
became clear, but at least
eyes activity on the island.
Listen to violation of the
civil rights standards to
Britain 37 itself. They were
violating policies. By taking
have legal. I-30 to be here.
Reports of serious misconduct
and violations were coming out
and they still come out. Week
ago yesterday I walked into
this room. Thankful to be
sitting on this side of the
diocese and not yours. But at
the end of that meeting, I was
envious of you what you need
place in time. A pivotal
moment our history. We find
ourselves. Opportunities of
this importance are rare. And
the people take them make
history. Like most of last
week. I listened intently to
every speaker like you doing
tonight. I was particularly
impressed by the genuine
compassion on most of your
faces. About the speakers and
their concerns. I was equally
impressed with not just what
our community members said,
but how they spoken. Sensibly.
Calmly and respectively. You
have been given than enough
justification to opt out of a
partnership. I that this time.
Legal all ethical. Actions on
JUNE. 30th reinforced my in
this extraordinary island.
Without 2 passes and the
defense of basic human rights.
Simpkins are safer in West.
Human beings born outside
country. There's no crisis of
conscience here. Crisis of
identity, mask. Rest areas.
This is a crisis of courage.
After Stacy is Tyler and then
Theresa, She's I might
mispronounce that excuse make
of that. New Michael police
think killed there. It is
sorry about that. That was
stolen. Good evening, mayor
and commissioners. I am Stacy
Stall and I am a full-time
resident in District 4.
>> I'm speaking tonight as a
citizen of Key West whose
proud to live in a place that
values fairness process and
standing up to pressure even
if it's uncomfortable. Let's
not lose sight of what
happened here on JUNE. 30th.
This commission did the right
thing by avoiding the 2.87 g
agreement that was signed
without the authority
required. That vote was a
correction of a process that
was ignored. It was about
upholding the law and
protecting the city from legal
exposure. But now under
political pressure from
Tallahassee, we're being
pushed to reverse that
decision. And I'm here to say,
don't do it. You the attorney
general or the governor blind
obedience. You this committee
sound judgment and legal
clarity? If you vote to either
approve or reject this
resolution. Tonight, you risk
giving them exactly what they
want. Ammunition to claim that
Key West is violating Florida
statutes. Even if that's not
your intent, they will twist
your vote and say it is. And
as you've already heard, if
this resolution goes on the
record with the language
that's currently in it
conceding their claim that
were so-called sanctuary city.
That language will haunt us in
court filings in media
coverage political arenas. We
shouldn't fall into that trap.
We don't need to hand our city
over to Tallahassee spin
machines. What we need is to
do what South Miami is doing.
C could judgment from the
courts. Let them decide what
chapter 9 actually requires.
That's not defiance. It's due
process. I've also watched
this spin into a partisan
issue. That kind of politics
MAY play in state capitals are
on the news, but it doesn't
serve the people of Key West.
And right now this commission
needs to focus what's right
for all our consists
constituents and not on
scoring any more political
points. The city never been a
sanctuary city. Please follow
the law. They cooperate with
federal agencies would legally
required and that hasn't
changed. What has changed is
that we're being bullied. And
this commission has the power
and the responsibility to say
not here, not in Key West, not
when the stakes are this high.
I urge you to table this
resolution don't play into
their narrative. Don't hand
them the headline. Let the
courts decide what the law
actually says, not the
Tallahassee, politicians with
an agenda and your
constituents will stand with
you. Thank you so much for
your time and consideration.
So after Tyler is Theresa and
then Golden Isles. Good
evening. My name is Tyler.
You're a share. I live in
district 4 and the criminal
defense attorney and I'm
speaking as a private citizen.
Asking the city to postpone
resolution. One and
declaratory judgment regarding
our city's obligation to enter
into a 2.87 g agreement.
>> In 18, 0, 3, The Supreme
Court declared that it is, in
leave the province and the
duty of the judicial
Department to say what the law
is on the anniversary of our
independence. Our Attorney
General James Uthmeier seeks
to usurp the role from our
courts and Ben reality to his
political convenience. His
royal proclamation does not
override the text of the law.
Both Meyer writes that the
city of Key West as a
sanctuary city because we
recognized our 2.87 g
agreement as void. This has no
basis in law. The city
commission is responsible for
making policy, not the chief
of police. The previous 2.87 g
Agreement was never in
forcible. The alternative is
to allow the chief of police
to enter agreements that he
has no authority to make
because we are afraid of being
labeled a sanctuary city.
Sanctuary policies to find a
908, 0.1 0, 3, as a policy
that prohibits or impedes
immigration law enforcement or
prohibits cooperation. Take
Key West Police Department has
supported ice and Border
Patrol before 2.87 g and will
continue to do so. This is not
the same as affirmatively
deputizing officers to enforce
immigration law. In fact, the
Florida Legislature has
expressly rejected sb and hb
which would have required
municipalities to adopt 2.87 g
further evidence that this is
a voluntary agreement, not a
sanctuary city policy. The
courts have the duty to say
what the law Declaratory
judgment clarifies the legal
rights and obligations of the
parties in dispute. Let a
judge decide who is right? The
Trump administration has
declared war against tps
holders vawa petitioners,
asylum seekers and
undocumented immigrants
affirmatively joining their
efforts will not remove the
target that's been placed on
Key West. The PRESIDENT Of the
United States has made his
racism and hatred against
Haitian people abundantly
clear deputizing law, local
law enforcement will only
bring more chaos and
heartbreak to our community.
There is no reward for
cowardice. Appeasement will
not save our community
solidarity will please be
brave again and stand up for
what is right. Thank you. So
after Theresa and Buildable
have Monica ca Cereus. Hi, I'm
Theresa Khaki and I've had the
privilege to call myself a key
West local for 6 years. And
there are many aspects of Qs
culture that make me proud to
be a part of this community.
>> From our inclusivity, the
way we stand up for
marginalized communities and
taking care of each other in
times of hardships and nothing
may be prouder to be a part of
this one human family. And
then on JUNE, 30th with the
decision made to avoid the
2.87 g Agreement. To me, this
was a prime example of what it
means to be a key West are
going against the grain to
stand up for what is right. A
lot of people my age feel
abandoned by our government.
Many of my peers don't vote
because they feel their voices
don't matter. But JUNE 30th
was a testament to the fact
that our voices do hold power.
My community came out voiced
our concerns and you listened.
I thank you for that. I thank
you for the tremendous,
tremendous bravery
demonstrated by the city to
stand up for and represent the
voices of their constituents.
I beg you to show that same
bravery again because our
resistance against falling in
line with fascism and
xenophobia will only grow more
and more crucial. All eyes are
in Key West. Now. History is
watching. No one is saying to
let violent criminals lives in
Key West. What I'm saying is
that it is ridiculous to
target an entire population of
people labeling them all as
potential criminals. The vast
majority of those detained
this year are not violent
criminals and more than half
of them have no criminal
record at all. If government
is really targeting those who
are a drain on our resources,
not contributing to society,
then why are we going after
them at their places of work?
If we are after people not
following the law, why are we
detaining those in the legal
process of seeking asylum?
We're becoming a citizen if
we're truly targeting the
worst of the worst, why are we
going after children? I'm not
asking you to enable
criminals. I'm not asking you
to break the law, but I am
asking you to continue to
represent our voices and to
protect those in our community
most indeed. Thank you. Bill
to Monica and then Marlene.
>> somebody let me wonder your
brain shirts
>> commissioners.
>> MADAM Mayor.
>> Members of audience. I came
from Cuba in 1967. As a Cuban
refugee. So the subject of
immigration and immigrants is
very close to me. And I've
been involved. Every 10 years
and one, form of immigration
or another. I actually very
impressed by all the people
talking Very appreciative of
so much compassion. However.
Really strongly feel that this
whole issue here today, the
size immigration. Is
political. It's obvious by
everybody speak in. They hate
precedent, drum and then they
hate Ron DeSantis. That is
issue. Bill Clinton departed
people. George Bush deported
people. Barack Obama was
called the deporter in chief.
And I never ever heard Such
gatherings against it. So.
Appreciate it. But I don't
think they understand they
don't. They don't go to
Hialeah. They don't go to
Winn-Dixie. These are really
good. The bull was really good
intentions, but I don't think
any of them have lived.
immigrant and the immigration
issue. I don't I don't I don't
know what to say except. You
guys know what's right. You
guys know the law. I'm just a
citizen. I'm an immigrant.
Today. I'm an American citizen
for years that have followed
every law. That's what I was
taught when I came from q a
that was for things that had
to do. I had to learn English.
I had to get my immigration. I
had to vote and I had to pay
taxes and that's how you
become a good American a good
American and to as an American
here to protect my children
and my grandchildren. And
unfortunately, for the past 4
years, there's been lot of
people coming to America that
we didn't know who they were.
And today, yes, there's a lot
of good people paying the
consequences. But they made
that decision and their home
country when they decided to
come here illegally. And
PRESIDENT Trump. Ran on on
that issue and he won on that
issue. And you can debate that
you MAY not like it. I'm
sorry. Don't like it. As
immigrant and a sick American
citizen. I am here to stand
with the police and with ice.
And I hope you vote the right
way. Thank you. After Monica
is Marlene and then Nick. Doll
that looks like. Sorry, short
short people problems over
here. Good evening, all and
thank you for having me.
>> My name is Monica and I
think since I was a year old.
Actually attended Glenn Archer
Elementary School within these
very walls. I receive school
awards right on the very
stage. You are sitting on. I
am a mother of 2, 2 boys. One
who is a type one diabetic.
I'm a daughter of immigrants
of Mexico. First off, I want
to thank you for your courage
on JUNE 30th. We put we
support and have your back
tonight. I come to give you
grace. You're standing at
threshold. The nation is
watching. Fear is thick in the
air. People have spoken with
fire with reason with urgency
and all of it matters. But
from my time, I want to offer
something that might matter
even more. Still a mess right
now before you vote. I want to
give you a moment to sit in
your own thought to not just
think like commissioner, but
feel like a human. I bring GOD
into this not to judge, but
her mind is that these
decisions echo. And to remind
you that GOD also has your
back and supports you. This
folk carries real wait for
children, for our neighbors,
for the feature of the island,
we call home and yes for your
own soul. So pause to sit with
GOD to ask what is right. As
for me, I've been through h#
#
and back and I'm still
standing because of my So I
say in the words of the
singer, songwriter, Rod Wave,
I'm not scared aware where
Wolves vampires, but man, I'd
always lose sleep when I can
set my people free and neither
should you be scared. So be
brave again tonight. Be brave
and choose love when power
would be easier if this is the
only moment I'm ever given in
a room like this, let it be
known. I used it to him by GOD
And also if you happened to
attend Saint Mary star of the
Sea, here is some fun facts
for you when you're sitting in
that church, you're sitting in
a skate, sacred space that
doesn't pray for protection
from hurricanes but also pays
for protection over migrate
migrants crossing oceans,
children, fleeing violence and
families searching for safety.
So with all of that being
said, GOD bless Key West, GOD
bless America. The greatest
country of all time. Be a part
of this next chapter and love
and justice encourage to one
human future. The grace of the
Lord be with GOD's people. A
man police said in silence
with me for 30 2 seconds.
Thank you all. Have a great
night. So we have Marlene Neck
and then Joanna Andra sec. And
Dr Marling College I am a
full-time resident of district
4.
>> nice thing about going so
late in the evening as I can
cut off half of my my speech
here. It won't be too long.
You know, as we had 70 Elkann
speakers tonight telling us
why we should postpone the
2.87 g Agreement. Let the
courts decide our next steps
that not entering into this
agreement. Absolves all of us,
the potential liability in the
fiscal responsibility should
an issue occur while engage
our police department is
engaged in supporting ice
activities. So we all know on
JUNE 30th Commissioner Carey
was a lone dissenting vote.
When all of you supported to
void the 2.87 g agreement. And
I want to remind all of us
that our district consists of
members from all walks of life
and that voting to appease the
Tallahassee conservatives is a
disservice to everyone in our
districts because we are all
all sides of the spectrum
here. Ronald Reagan is
conservative and he addressed
immigration extensively during
his presidency and through the
Immigration and Reform Control
Act worked to create a balance
by welcoming immigrants all
while maintaining control over
our borders and the importance
and I quote of a reasonable,
fair, orderly and secure
system of immigration. Rca
also granted amnesty and legal
status to millions of
immigrants who entered the
U.S. Prior to JANUARY. First
of 1982, in his city on the
Hill. Farewell speech from
JANUARY of 89. He said that
America was a beacon, still a
magnet for all who must have
freedom. He believed in that
immigration was noble. That
America was a nation of
immigrants transformative and
a shining light for all
nations. All that being said,
there's been a massive shift
in the arrest made between
Customs and Border Patrol and
ice prior to JANUARY of 25,
most immigrant arrests ribeye
cpb at the borders. But now
most arrests by ice inside the
U.S. In our own house. In
JANUARY. 25 62% of immigrant
arrests were criminals
criminals. But last month,
only 30's put 6% of immigrant
arrests were classified as
criminals. Ice also assigns
levels to their arrest with
level one being the most
severe. And according to data
published by ice themselves as
of last month, only 7% of
arrests for level one. The
remaining 83% of all arrests
were classified by ice
themselves as no threat level.
None of this is a conservative
or liberal issue. It's a human
issue. The bulk of the ice or
for non criminals. These non
criminal arrests continue to
harm the good people of our
community and the immigrants
in which our country was
founded, most of whom believe
that the U.S. Remains as
Reagan begin still a magnet
for all who must have freedom.
You are volunteering our
police department to coast
side. All that's wrong with
how isis treating are law
abiding immigrant community
and placing our city in
physical danger. The brain do
not support signing the
voluntary to 87 agreement.
Thank Is here. That will move
to Joanna. Joanna and then
Michael Berman.
>> Followed by Roberts and
John.
>> My name is Joanna under And
I've lived here full-time for
the past 5 years. But my
family is called a the Keys
home since I was 14. Last
week. Those communities cries
did not fall on deaf ears.
Commissioners, you brought a
smile to all our faces. Are
nearly unanimous vote to avoid
2.87 g. Speaking with those
who attended the meeting that
day. I can see that this
decision brought hope to
people who have been feeling
that democracy in America,
frankly. Was dying. If you go
back on last week's decision,
you will be crushing that
hope. Every day. We wake up to
news of mask, ice troops
rolling up to neighborhood
parks and Ali and armored
vehicles in full tactical
gear. Spreading fear in the
hearts of this nation. 2 new
merchandise promoting the
conversion of our conservation
lands in the Everglades into
Alligator Alcatraz to our
friends still trapped in
detention centers where they
are starved and mistreated
with no end in sight. How can
ask our local police? Many of
whom grew up here to be a part
of this. We cannot let them be
used as a weapon of an
authoritarian regime.
Hell-bent on imposing their
twisted vision of a white
washed America. I urge you to
continue to hold your ground
on recognizing 2.87 g as void
and to join the city of South
Miami and its case against the
state's position on what is
voluntary agreement? Please
stand with the people who make
this community a vibrant and
resilient help continue the
great tradition of Key West as
this seat of the southernmost
resistance. As it was during
the Civil war. For the 1982
roadblock, they gave this
place its name as the Conch
Republic. I want to leave you
all of the It's an oldie but a
goodie by the German Lutheran
Pastor Martin, you know,
Mueller written in 1946, after
World War, 2. First, they came
for the communists and I did
not speak out because I was
not a communist. Then they
came for the Socialists and I
did not speak out because I
was not a socialist. Then they
came for the trade union. Us
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade
unionist. Then they came for
the Jews and I did not speak
out because I was not a ju.
Then they came for me. And
there was no one left to speak
out for me. Please let us not
repeat that mistake. Speak out
for your community. Thank you.
So after Michael is Robert and
then Brailey Prescott, Aruba.
>> Good evening. I'm Adam Air
and the commission. I'm
Michael Berman are Member of
this community for over 40
years. I'm gonna keep my
remarks brief because most of
what I wanted to say has been
said more eloquently than I
could possibly put it. 2.87 g
is a voluntary. Commitment. We
are not under constitutional
imperatives to do the job of
the federal government. We
have just had the opinions
tonight. Several attorneys,
including experts in
immigration law and the aclu
of Florida, the entering into
2.87 g Agreement is not only
voluntary, but it is in fact,
in contradiction to the laws
of the state of Florida. There
is an active ongoing lawsuit,
but the city of South Miami
joined by multiple legal and
other organizations against
the governor and attorney
general of Florida. Why not
join this lawsuit in order to
stand up? For the role of law.
Not for the politicians in
Tallahassee. Along with
Commissioner Kalfin. I ask the
commission to postpone any
decision tonight on 2.87 g and
to legal advice. I support the
Key West Police and their
mission to maintain peace and
safety in our city. Not to do
the dirty work of ice agents
who work in disguise because
they know they are committing
evil. I only ask that you,
MADAM Mayor and you
commissioners fulfill the
expressed will the
overwhelming majority of your
constituents. Thank you. Can
use that after Robert and
bravely to be Caitlin Fuller.
Thank you very much, Robert.
Centrum. I'm here in a
different role tonight. In
last time I was here.
>> And that's to speak on
behalf of our 2 ministers at
the church that I attend
Covenant Presbyterian. They
couldn't be here because of
medical issues that they're
dealing with. The good is they
had 2 pages. They want me to
read. I'm only going to read
one paragraph because I think
it's most appropriate. And I'm
going to read it verbatim. As
the Co Pastors of Peace
Covenant Presbyterian Church
in Key West. Rest assured that
the good people of fees,
Covenant Presbyterian Church
are praying for you. To remain
steadfast and not sway from
what is just and right. We are
so very proud of your. Vote on
JUNE 30 s and we stand with
you in that position. We
covenant not to abandon you
and your position to stand the
test. Indeed. We believe GOD
will give you the endurance
and courage to stand the test.
The same endurance and courage
that Jesus used to stand the
test for us. So that
summarizes the position of our
2 pastors are newly here in
Key West from from Colorado.
And they are so impressed with
what the city commission did
just a few weeks ago that they
felt the need to speak out.
And in closing, I made a
comment after meeting last
week. And the comment was the
little mouse that roared. And
that's what with this
commission did this little
town To the bullies in
Tallahassee. And did what was
right in your minds. And I
just to see chew to stand the
test and do what you know is
right. And I want to thank all
of the people that are
speaking is I've never in my
life. Seeing such eloquence
and civility in the meeting
such as this. And I thank all
of you all for taking the
patients to listen to us. Have
a good evening.
>> After bravely to Caitlin
and then Max Pezzetti.
>> Hey, how are ya? MADAM
Henry cause want visit for a
formal here? My name is
Bradley Press got a rude. I've
been a resident of Key West
for 10 years now. Time has
flown by. I am originally from
Massachusetts, which means I
was raised with one of the
best education say you can get
in the United States. That
didn't mean that I wasn't a
part of systems that made it
hard to come up. I never
thought that I would be able
to go to college. I never
thought I'd be a person that
owned expensive car or Holden
American Express or even leave
the United States and travel
out. It's never something that
I thought would be afforded to
me. But here I am. I have
graduated college. I hold an
American Express. I drive a
car that old. Dude's ask me.
Did Eddie Buy that for you?
I'm mommy. I bought it for
>> I have traveled over 40
countries. Now I jump out of
planes. I write a kite and I
have. Written across countries
by myself on a motorcycle. I
couldn't even pick up. I'm
here and my heart is racing as
I'm sure yours is too. This
country is one that I am
really proud of. Reading
textbooks growing up. I was
always like I would be her in
that situation. Didi, I voted
for you because I wanted to be
you in this situation. Have
the ability to make the right
choice. Last week I was at
work. I had to make money
because I got to make rent
because just take care, man.
Take care of my mom, too. I'm
here. This week. I signed a
couple days ago. Dined at my
honestly, I hope that you do
the right thing here tonight.
It scares me that this is the
person sitting to your right
because I know that that does
Sheehan's stand for what I
stand for. But I have we hope
that you do. We traveled to
Cuba together on a unesco
World Conference together. I
know you know what is right? I
know that you were put into
office because there are
people here just like you that
have families for generations
after generations that work
there passes off to get where
we are today to have something
that our grandparents and
their parents before them.
Think they would never have.
And now we have that
opportunity. And as for our
police, we love you guys. I
serve you breakfast too.
>> I love the cause the
horses. Forces. We love them
that we don't want to look at
you guys differently. We want
to be on your side. We want
you to be on our side. 2.87 g
does not reflect that and it
reflects. It reflects fascism,
unfortunately. And you don't
have to succumb to that. You
have power. Spiegel. So do it.
Speak for us.
>> So we have Caitlin Max and
then rob Plumber. Hello and
thank you for being here
today. My name is Kate. When I
first moved to q when I first
came us 19 years ago, I was a
teenager and I came from a
small town with one red light.
35 kids in my graduating class
and little to no diversity.
The only people in my
community back did not look
like me migrant workers. Who
kept our farms and our
extremely rural area running.
And as I grew older, I realize
how important they were to our
community. Not only on a
personal level because over
the years they became close
friends and even like family.
But on a level of the highest
importance without them, we
didn't have the manpower or
the man willing to do the work
that they were doing day in
and day out. Happily and more
importantly, they were safe,
welcomed and loved by our
community and respected as
human beings. I remember
coming us for the first time
in meeting so many different
people from all over the
world. And I don't know how to
describe it because if you
know, you know, but I knew
that I was if I was lucky
enough, one day I could call
this place my home. The one
human family motto wasn't even
something I had known about
back then. But it is something
that I truly felt on a deep
level. Now, I have been a
permanent resident here for 4
years. And though short but
beautiful for years that I
have spent here, everything
that I fell and experience
back then all started to make
complete sense. The community
that welcomed me, the friends
that became family, the
coworkers, it became a part of
my everyday life from all
walks of life from all over
the world. It embody that
feeling that I had as a young
woman experiencing the
diversity and magic of this
island when our political
climate started to change, I
remember flying back to the
mainland here and there and
every single time I did that,
I remember feeling like I
could not wait to come back
home here to Key West because
no matter what was going on up
there, I knew that Qs was
organically protected because
of the one human family model
that we truly look by. And now
here we making national news,
which by the way means it's
working. Fighting a fight,
begging for human rights for
our neighbors, friends and
families. When the 2.87 g
Agreement was signed up on by
our police department, it was
done. So without clear
knowledge of what was legal or
not. And to be frank, what
even is legal versus not
anymore when our own federal
government isn't even abiding
by the laws by not allowing
due process and changing laws
to better fit their agenda so
that they can legally enforce
their narrative. How are we
supposed to even know what is
real and what isn't, which is
why I don't condemn our law
enforcement agencies for
agreeing to that. Clearly we
all love and support and more
importantly trust our police
department. And I would love
to keep it that way. But that
is why our government is
equipped with a system of
checks and balances to ensure
that even opposing political
parties or not overreaching to
ensure that all of our voices
are heard. And that is what we
saw last Monday when you as
our commissioners voted to end
this agreement, that is a
democracy. And that is working
for your constituents. Thank
you. Max. Is there. Max, The
move to rob Plumber, Keenan
Morrison and then Aaron Street
back. Parents not hear Keenan.
You're gonna pass rob Plumber.
Carter Nasser. Joey Phillips.
Saw him there. He is okay.
>> My name is Sherry Phillips.
I'm here representing myself
today. Good evening that a
mayor commissioners, staff
people with Key West. Good to
Well, holy cow. I'm filled
with a little regret. They
asked called up for work
early. Sorry, co-workers,
thanks for covering. I totally
couldn't waited because of how
many people came to speak. I
haven't lived on the island
for very long, but I fell in
love with Key West really
fast. And I think will I know
the reasons I fell in love
with that so quickly is
because of its community. It's
what the community does for
Key West that I think what
makes it really special worth
living. So I play a small role
in trying to preserve and play
my part in doing that. And I
can say in the short time that
I've been here, I've never
felt more proud to be a key
West citizen. Then on JUNE
30th, when we set up to
fascism, I mean, that's how I
see it. You know, people
smarter than me can label it
what they will. But one key
West. I feel like truly stood
up for the motto that it totes
defending one human family was
the first time I felt like I
lived in a city that put its
money where its mouth was. And
it was really awesome. And now
less than a week later. Here
we are. I feel jumping the
gun. You know. I don't know
for what reason. I think a lot
of people smarter than me have
shown us avenues has to how we
can, you know, postpone it or
not. Enter to agreement. They
do want to take a second to
try to do away with this false
narrative that the urgency
that ice is, you know, needs
to be in our community. Why
they need why we need to
corroborate them is cooperate
with them. So thoroughly. Is
because there's a threat, you
know, to people's public
safety, their violent illegal
immigrants here that is
utterly false. The only
immigrants that I know are MAY
are my neighbors are my
coworkers are our mothers, our
daughters, our fathers, our
sisters, our brothers.
>> And they're kidnapping
those people. Who are here
legally. And Sort of a little
move that you think it's
crazy. I feel like the key
West community is truly under
attack. And I feel really
proud that the city stood up
for its community and it's
done its part to try to
protect. You know, it's it's
community its people, the
people, you know, it's life.
Everyone who lives here. So
thank you for letting us
today. Thank you for. Being
brave on JUNE 30th. And I hope
that you will do what I think
is not a radical action is all
at all. We're simply asking
for you to postpone the item
and to let us see how it will
play out in the courts. It's
not a radical action. It's not
crazy. It's not a declaration
of war. Just playing it safe.
Your listening to your to the
community. You're listening to
Key West by doing this and
yeah, thank you for your time.
>> Daniela Valdez. Daniela
Valdez and then Genovese Sapa.
Good evening, Mayor. Good
evening Commission. I did not
right anything for this
because I didn't think I was
going to speak today. But as
somebody that was born and
raised in Qs, I felt like I
needed to. There is a lot of
unjust things going on in our
country right now. Like Mister
Arnold did state earlier. We
do have to keep. Key West
first and I agree
wholeheartedly on that. I was
born and raised here. I've
been here. 22 years of my
life. I love this town. I love
these people. My co-workers,
my classmates, everybody. Just
coming here for a better life.
And people are being
kidnapped. We don't know where
they are. They're not here. We
don't know anything that's
happening. Certain people that
have been out there for
months. And that's not ok. And
you guys did a very, very
brave thing last week. I
couldn't be here. I was
working. But you did very,
very brave thing and they are
listening. Everybody's
listening right now. And we
need to continue being brave.
It's point blank period.
That's it. We have to for our
community, for our economy
because that's very important
to us. We have just be brave.
Thank you. Genevieve still
here? Okay. Carter Nassar.
>> I have never then front of
anybody to publicly speak or
anything like that. Sorry from
little bit nervous for shaky.
But to start off my name is
Carter Nassar and where the
cameras hello world. I got 3
minutes to say something
that's really important. Key
West is unfortunately not a
sanctuary more. We used to
take care of the people who
came here. Go. On a
life-threatening mission.
Cross the ocean. And this was
a place of opportunity for
>> There's co-worker's family
members. There's people who
are trying to support a
family. Try not to come at
this with an emotional
standpoint. And instead I want
to try comes factual
standpoint. About 93% of all
people who have been picked up
by ice so far they have not
been convicted of a felony.
The people who put out a post
publicly to the key West
public, they decided net pick
in that early find the needle
in the haystack.
>> Of people who committed.
Crimes that are not worth
saying publicly because
unfortunately depict the
sharpest tool and this battle,
it's not fair because what the
vast amount of them being safe
supporting each other, trying
to help each other being. A
safe citizen Key West. I think
it's our job to protect those
people. Fortunately for you
guys. You have the power to do
that. You have the voice. I
have 3 minutes and I
appreciate the effort us
taken. It is bravery as cliche
as it sounds stand up for
yourself. That's the hardest
thing to do. And stand up for
the people who stand behind
you. That's even harder
because to find the courage to
defend people. That takes a
lot of work and you guys have
done the work and got to the
position where you guys are.
All right. Thank you for all
that you've done. I thank you
for giving me these these
minutes. Ands. I want to try.
I know that sounds way too far
fetched, but it's already too
late. This is already
happened. People have been
picked up. People have been
getting deported. And I think
and that to find a solution
that's that's that's where it
is to find a solution find an
in-between to say, hey, we can
figure out. What to do from
here. If we take care of
what's already happened,
addressing what's happened in
the past and coming to an
agreement can help shape the
future of fair future.
Something where everybody can
live in and where everybody
can just. Saying live in
pieces as way too far. But
we're all humans. And I think
that to be. Treated this way
because of where you came
from. I don't think that's
fair. I think we should be
protecting the people risk
their lives to get to this
point. Thank you.
>> a first floor just like to
say everyone here for Kamin
and participating and having a
voice. So would you like to
read the resolution one more
time and then lost for
emotion? Just the title?
Authorizing yes, authorizing
and directing the city manager
to enter into into the 2.87 g
voluntary memorandum of
agreement United States
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement. Do I have a
motion?
>> air MADAM Mayor and
commissioner Commissioner and
then Commissioner Haskell.
>> For over 25 years, I serve
this community as a police
officer, 10 of them as the
chief of police. During that
time, there were laws that
weren't clear or needed
interpretation. We often saw
attorney general opinions to
help us guide us on
enforcement actions. Well, not
binding on the courts. They're
highly persuasive. And often
followed. The current attorney
general has opined that
Florida statute 908, requires
municipal police departments
to enter in 2 to 8 ec. 2.87 g
agreements. Or they're deemed
sanctuary cities. Further. The
governor and most recently,
the speaker of the House have
stated that the intent of
Florida statute 908. Was that
municipal police departments
are mandated to enter into the
agreements. During my tenure
as a police officer. There
were times that I didn't agree
with the law but had to
enforce it. This appears to be
one of them today. That the
pending did declaratory relief
action filed by the city of
Miami soon provides answers to
missus to municipalities,
legal requirements on this
issue. Until that time. I
believe we must follow the law
and require the Key West
Police Department to enter
into the 2.87 g agreement. So
tonight. I will vote with my
head and not my heart. So
MADAM Mayor, I move to approve
the resolution with the
following friendly amendments.
In the header. I would ask to
strike the word voluntary. The
3rd, whereas section. After
whereas on JUNE 30th 2025, he
city commission, voted to
avoid. Is this sting 2.87 g
agreement. I would suggest
striking the rest. Including.
That had. Been improperly
executed without the legal
authority required under the
city charter. The last whereas
section. I would suggest
striking reinstating. And
entering into. Because of my
minutes. Do I have a second?
Second by commissioner to see
any discussion.
>> I believe commissioner has
school. Would like to speak.
Thank you so much, MADAM
Mayor.
>> I
>> to postpone the building on
this resolution. And I motion
postpone takes precedence over
a regular motion.
>> so we have a motion to
postpone. Do I have a second?
Commissioner Gruber? I just
that. It might come please.
>> I would suggest that we
move to table.
>> Under Robert's rules. So I
have a motion to postpone
heard. We actually want to
use. Commissioner Hoover
postponed table would be for
the same session. So we want
to
>> use You want to clarify and
say postpone to another
meeting. It's me talking
carrier the correct word if
we're going postpone it to
another meeting is postponed
table would be too table it to
later in the session. Mayor
MAY I clarify?
>> Yes, ma'am. So as a maker,
the motion, I would like to
clarify that. I would like
postpone it.
>> Living on this resolution
until we obtain some legal
clarity based on the outcome
of the South Miami case.
>> Okay. So we have a motion
have a second.
>> MADAM Mayor, I would like
to comment on that. What I
learned over the course of the
week that we've had aside from
that this really emotional
subject, is that right now? We
don't know what we don't know.
We have not learned all of the
aspects of the law that that
pertain to this because we
haven't really had any access
to someone who is an expert
immigration law. And that's
something I think as the
commission we owe ourselves
order to make this kind
decision. So is that a second?
Motion to commissioner school?
I think I said that well. You
just wanted to clarify. Okay.
So it's we have a first in a
second. Any discussion. Can
you call the Roll, Please?
Commissioner Carey Bill
Commissioner Casteel know
Commissioner Haskell. Yes,
commissioner Hoover. Yes.
Commissioner now mayor in
Vegas now. Motion fails. Okay.
So now we have a motion is
second on the floor motion by
Commissioner Lee second by.
>> Commissioner Castillo. But
we have amendments which you
can incorporate all if it's 7.
2, we have. MADAME Mayor, if I
yes, go ahead. I would just
like to make the comment that.
It appears in this room that
we are one human family unless
we have a difference of
opinions. And that doesn't
seem that doesn't seem quite
We we have a motion. We have
we have a motion in the second
on the floor. Is there any
other discussion? Can
amendment cities? Let America,
can you give us Clarity?
Commissioner Lee played right?
Thank you. Okay. So in the
header. The word voluntary
strike. It. In the 3rd,
whereas. It says, whereas on
JUNE 30th 2025, to Key West
City Commission voted to
avoid.
>> The existing to 80's 7 g
agreement, comma. Strike
everything there. And then
that the end to the and and
then
>> insert. That had been
improperly executed without
the legal authority required
under the city charter. That
had been improperly executed
without the legal authority
required under the city
charter. And the last whereas
section. Striking the word
reinstating. And adding
entering into.
>> Okay. Is there any other
discussion? Commissioner.
Commissioner tearing up I just
need some clarity. I have some
questions Missus, Harden.
Since we have these amendments
that were discussing. Also was
this resolution, in fact, I
know it. Commissioner Lee is
proposing that had been
improperly executed. Without
the legal authority. That is
in that city charter. But I
need some clarity as to. First
of all, we have said that. The
chief enters into Emily Hughes
often. Is that correct? So
that's different in others,
other agreements and what the
statutes, there's specific
statutes for certain w's in
different agreements for law
enforcement and duties. But
again, specifically, I don't
know statute the time had it
does say to be signed by the
executive of enforcement
agency. I read that as being
the city manager, though, as
well. Okay. So so that i
understand. The chief of
police does enter into and
we'll use. Maybe not
regularly. But that has
occurred. Yes, does sign. Use.
I can't speak to previously.
One has not come in front of
me since I've been in this
position. If it were, I would
it suggests with the
authority.
>> In our charter and in the
think resolutions there hasn't
been delegated authority due
specifically for that.
>> We asked the chief of
police That's put on the spot.
Chief. MADAM Mayor.
Commissioner see finished. No,
no. I'd like to get an answer
on that first. If that's ok
with you, MR. City manager.
MADAM Mayor. Yes,
commissioner, it's absolutely
ok that you get the answers
you as Commissioner Lee stated
our last meeting. And I also
stated in our last meeting
with the city manager
approval, there are Mo using a
moist that I do sign some of
them. We add a line for the
city manager and I both to
sign. But most of the month,
the chief law enforcement
officer. The top police
officer to sign them. That's
me, Anderson. It. And so. If
that is a common practice in
does take place here at the
city in has happened in the
past. Why was that agreement?
Not proper? I want I don't
want to speak to other
agreements, but I would
ultimately say without seeing
them that could be they could
be unenforceable as well.
Ultimately, that would again
depend on the nature of it.
But if he's here to sign
individually without the
delegated authority or the
authority under our charter.
And those the invalid
contracts as well. Does the
city manager have the
authority and Mahe delegate
that authority to the chief of
police to sign a document. I
think the delegation we need
to come for the commission and
in a resolution that says they
have that specific authority
to sign the charter specific,
too. The city manager doesn't
state in there that his power
is to delegate. That
specifically there are
delegations as to the chief of
police and to the chief of the
fire department. But that
specifically to this sign
minutes of the duties of their
officers. So it's not specific
as to what they have the
authority to side. Is it
specific to the city manager?
I'm Thank you, MADAM Mayor, is
it specific to the city
manager not being able to
delegate to the chief of
police, the authority to sign
an agreement such as this one.
It's it doesn't have any
authority and silent
ultimately. And then I think
my final question was. Maybe
not the final question. But
for this round would have. We
have would we have been able
retroactively approved that at
the last meeting? Yes, you
could have ratified ratified
the agreement that the last
meeting stated. Just for
clarity. That. So ultimately
you ratifying if you were to
ratify that contracts, you've
been saying that he had the
authority to sign that you
would be giving him the
authority once you're out of 5
that time. All right,
Commissioner Christina. I
don't I mainly. Supported
because not only talking to
the sheriff.
>> They haven't made any ice
raids. Anything that I know of
that. I 2 to the fact that
it's going to change the
character of our police
department. We know chief, we
know his guys. We know I'll
share of and we know pretty
much the offices, however. I
was. So moved. We will be in
racially profiled. And that's
not so. I spoke the chief. I
spoke to sheriff and again. I
think we come from a tight
knit community and we needed
to put this to bed. I mean,
just keep going over and over.
We have to comply with the
law. Anyway, am I correct?
Assistant? Ow. Ice,
immigration, Customs, Border
Patrol.
>> Yes, ultimately chapter
908.
>> And I believe they would do
that. You know, in a in a case
that is needed. But if we kept
this going. This is going to
be okay. Never end. And I feel
really and truly it's it's
gotten really out of hand. To
the point where Chief Bratton,
the bird, like he lost about
10 pounds. Excuse me, well,
anyway, I'm sorry, chief. It
took this long to get this
preshow few. But
>> all right. Commissioner
Hoover, had a comment. When we
talking about the memorandum
of understanding.
>> I don't think that this
commission can afford to not
have some say so over sight of
something that is a philosophy
like this. It's one thing to
talk about buying a truck
because we have some
arrangement with one of other.
She entities, whether it's a
state or county or whatever.
But this is way too important
to just say that's we always
do it that way. It's
memorandum understanding. It's
not. This is something that
was obviously at the heart our
city and people and to say so.
And we had to listen to that
before. We can't what somebody
make a decision like this
without us knowing about this.
When I was trying to say.
Commissioner school. Thank
you, MADAM Mayor.
>> We did not believe that we
were breaking the law on JUNE
30th when we passed that
resolution and we are not. We
are not breaking the law now.
If we let that resolution
stand many well informed
citizens. An excellent lawyers
agree that U.S. Has obligation
to enter into a 2.87 g
agreement. I'm like a sheriff
who has entered into it
municipal police chief. That's
not what you're into it. There
is requirement in federal law
to sign such an agreement.
There's no requirement in
state law for a municipality
to sign such an agreement.
Congress, the U.S. Congress
and the state legislature have
both declined to create such a
requirement. They have the
opportunity to create such a
requirement and they have
declined to do so. Neither the
governor nor the state
attorney can override
legislature and enact such a
requirement on own. We're the
ideal opinion that the
attorney general offered in
his letter. Commissioner Lee,
that was not a formal legal
opinion, as you might request
from the attorney general.
That was a statement he made
you know, in a letter which
is, you know, his
interpretation at the time.
But it does not follow state
law or or federal law. So if
unconvincing, anyone who voted
on the winning side of the
previous motion and and to to
not postpone, you would have
the opportunity right now to
ask that that motion be
reconsidered because of if we
follow the lead of the city of
South Miami and we have that
this is no harm done. We're
not doing anything extra
anything different. As I said,
we did not believe we breaking
the law. Then if we passes
this current resolution had a
rolling over and playing dead
and said, yeah, we I guess we
didn't break the law, but we
did not. And we should stand
for what is true and what is
just postpone this. Motion get
some more legal clarity.
>> MADAM Mayor Commissioner
Commission asked if you if you
listen carefully to what I
said, I said that the attorney
general's opinion is not
binding. It's highly
persuasive. Excuse me. And
it's what. Often. Use to take
enforcement actions. That's
what I said. Any other
discussion. Commissioner Jerry
Clerk if I would like to make
a motion to pass a resolution,
as is we would have to take
the vote on this first. Is
that correct? What we can
break out the amendments. I
mean, he's he's made a motion
with 3 amendments. So you can
either break them out.
>> Or you can vote on this.
And then.
>> I would prefer because of
that.
>> The motion to amend higher
than the main motion. So he's
essentially amended. So we
would take each of the
amendment separately and then
vote on the resolution as
whatever amendment had passed
with the attached to the
resolution wrecked.
>> I would like to that way,
if that's okay. I would like
to take the amendment
separately. Okay. Okay. So the
first one would be we don't
need to first and second for
this because we're we've
already established to strike
voluntary from the MADAM.
We're going to the amendment
now. Yes, because I need to
axe to chief. One final
question. Discussion and the
city attorney. Based on the
amendments. It's based on. The
whole. 2.87 Staff recommend
this. I guess is what I'm You
as the attorney. Could give
advice on, I guess the
legality of what you're
looking to do. Can be more
specific and want get your
question is.
>> Well,
>> I'm reading the attorney
general's so. Do you follow
the attorney general's letter?
To entirety?
>> So the attorney General
states that. If they are of
the position that by not or
disagreeing in are prohibiting
not entry into this of law
enforcement wants to be
entered by us voided by you
avoiding the JUNE 30th meeting
that creates a sanctuary
policy and they're claiming
that that is a violation of
chapter 908, there is no
precedent. That's established.
So I don't disagree that it
could be argued either way,
but that is the attorney
general's position. And if you
know, there's there is an
enforcement provision in
there. So with the
determination on how to
proceed would be up to, you
know, it's kind of a judgment
call on that one on what is.
It is that? An actual, you
know, is it Lauren And I think
as Commissioner Lee stated,
you know, they make opinions.
It's not binding until a court
decides. So as of right now,
the court hasn't decided. And
that's what the city of South
Miami is looking for them to
do. Then opinion as a of the
2.87 with the amendments. As
Commissioner Lee said, we
frequently reach out to the
attorney general for his
opinion, they're not binding,
but we generally follow those.
>> For enforcement, you have
the attorney general's letter.
It's on its for you determine
what that letter means. Okay.
>> And the same as what the
sheriff say it. I mean, they
have enter into the 2.87 g.
It's voluntary. What ow. But
how do you feel about it is
going to change out department
into ice agents? I guess is
what I'm trying to.
>> We are not conducting any
raids of any kind. Okay. Thank
you. All right. So where so
we're now voting on just
striking voluntary from the
title, correct? Can you call
the roll? Please, Commissioner
Carey? Yes. Commissioner
Castillo. Commissioner
Haskell. Commissioner Hoover's
now commissioner Yes, Mayor
Henry guess? Yes, motion
passes. Now voting on strike
taking 3rd, whereas. Leaving
first part of first sentence
up to agreement striking the
rest and inserting that had
been improperly executed
without the legal authority
under the city charter. Okay.
Can you call the Roll? Police
Commissioner Carey know
Commissioner Castillo.
Commissioner Haskell.
Commissioner Hoover. Yes,
commissioner Lee. Yes, mayor
Henry guess yes. Motion
passes. And then finally in
the last, whereas section
striking reinstating an a
inserting entering into.
Commissioner Carey know
Commissioner Castillo know
Commissioner Haskell.
>> Could you repeat that?
Please?
>> Yeah. The very last.
Whereas before we get to now,
therefore. Near the end of the
sentence, he wants to strike
reinstating. Change that to
entering into the 87 g
agreement. Note.
>> Commissioner Hoover Snow,
Commissioner Lee. Yes, mayor
guess yes. Okay. So that did
not pass. The only changes
that that's moving actually to
changes are moving forward.
Striking voluntary. And And
were inserting the language
that had been improperly
executed without the legal
authority under the city
charter. So now we're going to
take a vote.
>> a proven I offered
amendment. Open amendment just
like an a. Amendment to the
existing motion yet I would
like to add the whereas
clauses that would say that
whereas the commission acted
in good faith. As you MAY
either. Only 5 hits either the
plain text Florida statute
908, nor standing judicial
agreements state excuse me
standing judicial rulings
require participating in any
program or the Mont authorized
under section 2.87 of the
immigration and Nationality
Act. 8 usc as 1, 3, 5, 7, you
could find that language on.
Page 2 of. The resolution that
we previously passed
resolution number, 25 1.61
With that. The verbatim?
Because I'm gonna probably
need that. Yeah. Okay.
>> Did everybody understand
the spirit of what she would
you repeating that
commissioner? Sure.
>> like on Yeah, let's states
let's look. Point is
>> We we acted in good faith
that last weekend to suggested
amendment is whereas the
commission acted in good faith
has neither the plane tax of
Florida statute 908, nor
standing judicial rulings
require participating in any
program or agreement
authorized under section 2.87,
the Immigration and
Nationality Act and then the
citation follows.
>> Yes, I'm good. I'm actually
going to pull up the
resolution. From last time.
Can you tell me what page that
was on commissioner? Yeah is
on page 2 the resolution with
the underlines and straight
through what was added at that
meeting. What was added I
think that's what the
resolution as it was finally
adopted. Okay. It was
different than the resolution
let me pull Several
amendments. Yeah.
>> and
>> my point is that there is
and a legal support that not
entering into a 2.87 g
Agreement is permissible for a
municipality. So I don't want
to. You know, put the city on
the record, even though I
don't agree with approving
this resolution at all, if
you're going to approve it, I
don't want to put us on the
record saying that saying
something that's that's that's
not true.
>> Terribly. Sorry,
commissioner, I can't find the
language you're talking about.
This is in the amended
resolution. We passed on the
30th. Resolution number. 25
1.61 a second page. Kerry, I
believe, 3 whereas on a second
date yet, whereas neither the
plain text of Florida statute
908, nor standing judicial
rulings require participating
in any program or agreement
authorized under section 2.87
of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
>> So it's what she just read.
But
>> with a little bit before
that, that says the commission
acted in good faith.
>> Yeah. Oh, yeah. I added
those words. You. Because I
want to say we did something
that was or illegal because
that could be used against us
in the future. So I'm saying
we acted in good faith on JUNE
30th, which we did. So that's
the amendment. That's a
motion. Need a second. You
have any problem with that
done. So I haven't.
>> Kamau shouldn't have a
motion by Commissioner
Haskell. Do have a second. And
motion fans. So now we're back
to the main motion approving
this resolution as amended
with the 2 changes. You a
great too. Do we still have an
opportunity for discussion,
MADAM, you? Yes. Can't I would
just like make a couple of
statements here. So bear with
me. Number one, just so that
the residents of the city of
Key West understand I am the
daughter of a legal immigrant
and mother came here from Cuba
at the age of 7 with her
mother and father and her 2
siblings. And so I do support
immigration. Legal immigration
is what I support. Also
support the laws of our state
and federal government. And I
think it's very important for
me to have the opportunity to
say that. Also the statement
of be brief I I applaud you
guys for being breeze. I asked
Yuletide others for also being
breathed, even when their
opinion MAY not match yours.
That is what's fair and just.
On the comment of one human
family. MAY we all consider
each other one human family
again, we don't have to agree.
Let's be respectful of each
other. You know how
hypocritical to say one human
family only if you agree with
opinion. So I just wanted to
make those statements and, you
know, as far I rode on a lot
of notes when when people were
speaking here today and saying
things like, you know, don't
be bullied you know, speaking
against hatred, a lot of those
names that signed up and we're
speaking today, not very
hateful statements on social
media. So let us all consider
each other with respect. You
know, I Commissioner Lopez
when he came into the chambers
even know he and I have very
opposing views. And I just
think it's important for us
let's support one human
family. And let's be brief.
Let's allow everybody to to
stand up and speak for what
they believe. Are there any
other comments or discussion?
Kerry, can you call the Roll?
Please, Commissioner Carey.
Yes, commissioner Castillo.
Yes. Commissioner Haskell.
Know Commissioner Hoover
Commissioner Lee. Rodriguez,
yes, motion passes. Item
number 2, authorizing the city
attorney to file a
declaration.
>> Declan Tory judgment,
action against the governor,
Ron DeSantis and all necessary
parties are joining the
action. The city of South
Miami to determine the
legality of the requirement to
enter into 2.87 g agreement
authorizing the city attorney
to take all necessary actions
to effectuate the intent of
this resolution. I have a
motion? Oh, gosh, no, I'm
sorry. We have we do have
speakers accounts. Apologies
for pick. Yes. The first is
Lucy Hawk and then Chris
McNulty.
>> Thank you for letting me
speaking I understand that you
guys feel the to sign the 2.87
g, although I do not agree
that this was the best thing
for the city. You are the ones
who are supposed to speak.
Resident respect your position
as leaders, although we very
much do not see eye to eye on
this. But now I'm gonna ask
you to also fight. We just
particularly just protected
ourselves from the state, from
their threats from them
telling you that you need to
do this. You guys decided you
want to do that. But that
doesn't mean we can't also
joined the lawsuit. The South
Miami, we can do both. It's
not a one or the other. And a
lot of attorneys were in this
room that are way smarter than
me. That said, you guys have a
really strong case. I'm not an
attorney. I don't know, is
passing a resolution just past
makes your case weaker. But I
think you deserve it to all of
the people that were in this
room to find out. And that is
not something that's going to
happen overnight. And urge you
to really consider the
obligation to hear all of your
constituents.
>> Because there were 2 people
who spoke tonight favor of
2.87 g.
>> And a lot more that did it.
I don't know where your moral
bounds are on what you need to
follow in percentages of who
supports showing who doesn't.
But that seems a little off
balance. So maybe as a way let
you know, redeem everybody who
spoke and could fight.
>> And I really encourage you
to do that. And I mean that
respectfully and all of the
people who spoke tonight.
>> We'll have your back.
Still. I will have your backs.
So if you decide to join the
fight and if you decide and I
don't even know that it's a
fight really, if you're asking
for clarity, clearly to me is
not a Clarity is clarity. We
just want to know for doing
something illegal. I don't
want you to do anything
illegal. I don't support. You
doing anything illegal? And I
don't know that a lot of
people in this room do, but we
do need to take the time to
find out if this is wrong or
right. And I think you have
the chance now to do both. I
hope you'll really consider
that option. Thank you.
>> Is Chris. Is Chris still
here? Is Chris.
>> Okay. Madalyn bomb. And
then fill are here. That will
go to many Hartman if he's
here. MAY just a second chair.
>> I am not an expert in the
law. However, I am a pretty
pretty good with the Bible.
And anyone who tells you that
there is only way one way to
interpret scripture is pretty
sadly mistaken. In seminary.
We learned that because GOD
speaks to every person through
scripture interpretations MAY
definitely very there are
thousands of biblical scholars
and theologians. Who are much
smarter than me who debate the
meaning of scripture for their
whole lives. Scriptures, a
living word of GOD. So we
cannot ever just read a
sentence and take it at face
value. There is context,
historical meaning intent.
Translation issues and many
other things to consider. When
looking for the true meaning
of scripture. And this is why
I get frustrated with people
who and isolate one line of
scripture and use it as a
weapon to attack others are
hammer home their own warped
agendas. I believe. That the
law is very much the same.
Laws are meant to be
interpreted by the courts. And
that is how we do things here
in the U.S. Law is written,
but then there can be various
interpretations of that law.
So the courts are charged with
interpreting laws. So why
would we not want to challenge
the attorney general and the
governor's interpretation of
the law instead of simply
taking their interpretation at
face value especially when
many other smart people
interpret it differently. I'm
really tired of the ugly
rhetoric on social media. From
many people. Because they have
read one sentence in a letter
from Attorney general are one
sentence of scripture and they
decide to verbally attack
other people who have
different interpretations.
It's really not acceptable any
longer. So I ask you to
consider on item number 2,
which is what I hope are still
on because I was outside
praying with some people. And
I ask you to see an answer
from the courts and the
questions around 2.87 g,
whether we do it in our own or
in conjunction with the city
of South Miami. Thank you.
Hello again.
>> money is because we
resident district one. I'm the
executive director of the
Community Center. I didn't
actually prepare statement for
and my heart is racing. So I'm
just going to speak from my
heart because when it's
racing, it's speaking the
truth. I don't even know if
this resolution is even
something that makes sense
anymore. Now that we've signed
with the 2.87 g Agreement, I
do want to say that I do
believe that you've now forced
a lot of people on this island
to do illegal things because
we are going to protect our
neighbors and our friends. So
that's rough. And I'm
incredibly disappointed in the
city that I call home. I
really hope that you take a
lot of time in 9 to think
through the decision that you
make yourselves right with And
that's all I have to say.
>> So is there Manning
apartment? How Joanna entre
Zach? Brailey, Prescott,
Aruba. Wayne Dumpster. Erik, a
jewel. Genevieve, don't think
Julie Brown.
>> Hello Commissioners, I did
not also plan to speak on
this. I signed up become the
first one and I was skipped. I
understand was a mistake. Had
a good one for you. I'm very
disheartened and disappointed
that you just voted to ignore
legal advice and not seek
additional legal information
that is what year role is
here. You should be getting
legal information to make a
factual and legal decision. So
I do ask that you join this
lawsuit to see can get that
clarity. I'm afraid of what
this community has ahead of
them based on the decision to
enter the 2.87 g I'm afraid of
what is going to do to our
community members who are in
fear now, people who are
friends and support the local
police source as we most of us
do not just conservatives. And
it's at their members of our
community to so this is going
to put everybody in a really
difficult position. The best
thing you can do now is to
join this lawsuit and get
clarity and to fight for
humanity. My mom sent me. The
text tonight and said
>> Praying for humanity to
prevail. Sorry, mom.
>> For this foster. Still
here. Or Julie Hill. Or Bert
Weiss much the that Stacy
Stall. Killed in Niles.
>> I think that's it. Anyone
else want to speak on number
2. All right. Thank you. So do
we have a motion? Can I 0.1
thing out? Yeah.
>> Actually a colleague of
mine e-mailed me and I asked
Commissioner Coffin for
clarity. But I think in the
lot very last, whereas
section. It says it's in the
best interest of the city of
South Miami. And I think that
needs to be changed to key
West. Just to make that. I
think it's just a script
scrivener's error. So.
>> with that Correction
Commissioner Haskell.
>> Thank you, MADAM Mayor, in
the interest of compromise,
like to move to approve this
resolution with a an important
change that would be to delete
in the heading to delete the
part that authorizes the city
attorney to file a declaratory
judgment action against the
governor, Ron DeSantis and all
necessary parties soaps. Get
that far because it's kind
either or situation. So skip
that part, no declaratory
judgment. But agreed to join
in the action of the city of
South Miami to determine the
legality of requirement to
enter into this 2.87
agreement. So that's I'm
suggesting that support the
efforts of the city of Miami.
And we do not request attorney
to file the declaratory
judgment.
>> With that, we have a second
on her emotion. Show second by
Commissioner Gruber. Any other
discussion questions? Let's go
back the studio. That's going
to costs us money in city of
Key West. Joining this little
so. It would depend if we
joined in how that would work
if it was just too.
>> Take that out. Have to look
to see what the language of
the actual section say
regarding that. If we joined
into their lawsuit to it, more
cost-effective than filing our
own. Just going to have an
opinion from you. I know. But
>> the motion I mean,
agreement that we teach this
have any bear on the agreement
that we just pass. I would I
would defer can attorney I. I
don't have an opinion on this.
What was the question? The
2.87 g agreement and us.
Joining know though,
Miami-Dade in the lawsuit
against DeSantis and Gov. The
governor.
>> Would it have any effect?
Yes, it wouldn't have any
effect until a decision was
made and then it would come
back to the commission to
decide if you want to
terminate it based on what the
decision is, if it is a
requirement is it's a law and
that would be something that
we would term. And at that
point, once the decisions made
by the court commission them
in.
>> I'm not necessarily opposed
to. Joining. The dec action.
With South Miami. But I'm not
sure. I'm not sure doing it.
Spending money to do it. The
end result is. My aunt South.
Miami is going to get an
answer. One way or another.
The judge is going either so
way I see it and correct me
over the judge is either going
to say. I'm not giving you an
answer because you don't have
standing. Or the judge is
going to answer the questions
that Miami South Miami's
already asked.
>> Correct. So, yes, they did.
They'd have to get past the
motion to dismiss on the
standing portion and then
before they could get to those
on specific dec actions that
they're asking for the court
to decide on. So therefore.
>> We we would only be joining
this dec action. As moral
support. To get the same
answers and well into complete
honesty are facts would be a
little different, I think
because I think the argument
in the motion to dismiss is
that they don't have standing
because there was no threat
for moving or suspension of
the mayor and that nature. As
the city, it could be argued
that we might have a better
chance at standing on that
because there has been a
threat as a threat in acted
upon. Not at this time. So
again, that would be something
to argue have been vetted.
Those arguments fully. But as
to standing, I mean, it could
be argued again, either way.
But I woods date that we would
have we potentially have that
are standing just based on the
letter we did receive in our
resolution. We passed on the
25th. And the resolution we.
In that resolution. We we gave
our support. We voted to
support South Miami in their
efforts. I'm just not sure
whether it's not sure doing
this in spending the money. I
mean, if if my if if, indeed,
South Miami. If the judge says
you don't have standing, then
night.
>> I could see supporting us
saying, ok, they didn't have
standing. We should go in now
and give it a shot and 6. See
if we have standing and get
the answers. But I'm not sure.
Joining them right now. Kind
of makes sense. This point.
>> And I would suggest a
potential would be you do. As
you stated, there is a
resolution that states that
you have support for South
Miami and what they're doing
potentially maybe if you it
could be postponed to say
until maybe the motion to
dismiss is determined. That's
something you want to consider
based on that.
>> you know, bring it back.
>> All right. So right now we
have motion and second, any
other discussion on her
amendment. Commissioner
Haskell's amendment. You want
to say the amendment one more
time? I think this would be
the whole thing because it is
either or so. This would be
the motion is to prove this
resolution.
>> But with choosing join in
the action of the city of
South Miami to determine the
legality, the requirement to
enter into the 2.87 g instead
the first part. Authorizing
the city attorney to Tafolla
attack critics Any other
discussion. Kerry, can you
call the Roll, Please?
Commissioner Carey know
Commissioner Castillo,
Commissioner Haskell. Yes,
commissioner Hoover, yes.
Commissioner Lee. Mayor Henry
get Snow. Okay. Motion fails.
They could be another motion
or we can move on. We can move
could be another. Go ahead.
Item number 3, expressing
support for extending
temporary protected status.
Tps for Haitians. And again,
we do have a public comment.
Okay. Seahawk. Chris McNulty.
And Madeline Ball. Good
evening I have a really nice.
City reaffirming thing to say.
But really, why don't you
>> do want to just throw it
all in. Do want to support
anyone in this community.
That's really like kind of
where we're at now. In 2022.
Mayor Johnson and the
commission proclaimed MAY as
Haitian Heritage Month.
>> But it doesn't seem like
any information we get the
matters. So I'm really not
going to even waste my time
reading this because obviously
you guys don't actually care
about your constituents.
>> I second Lucy Hawk. And
then Abby Weiss. She's still
here.
>> Love the Lord. Your GOD,
with all your heart with all
your soul. And with all your
strength. And the second is
like it, love your neighbor as
yourself. I just want to end
with words of scripture. The
words of Jesus, because that's
how I live my life. And I know
I know that. That's how all of
you want to live your lives.
And I don't have any idea why
we would not support the
extension of tps for Haitian
neighbors. Thank you.
>> And the Julie Hill to
determine if she is here. My
name is Abby Weiss regarding
items 3, I'd like to share a
firsthand experience with the
Haitian member of our
community.
>> I'm a volunteer with keys
to be the change and read with
several Haitian students at
Point Sienna Elementary. A few
months ago. One of the
students and I discussed the
words. Optum, este and
pessimist. How to spell
pronounce and a fine. Every
time we met, I started our
conversation with our u n
Optimist or a pessimist today.
All refer to this child has
optimist. Optimists will begin
be in the fall and in an
effort to ensure they are as
prepared as possible. We
agreed we would like to
continue reading together over
the summer. I work with kids
to be the change and the
Pointe Sienna parent educator
to schedule reaching kids over
the summer is difficult. So I
was excited JUNE 24th. When I
heard when I learned we had a
meeting scheduled for JUNE
30th. Optimist wants to be a
cardiologist and I was ready
with materials to learn about
how the heart works. New
vocabulary and and and help
bring that dream a tiny step
closer to reality. I want to
help optimist see that. A
career as a cardiologist is a
possibility and there are
invested partners to help make
that happen. On JUNE. 27th the
secretary of Homeland Security
announced hemp very protected
status designated for Haitians
would be terminated as of
SEPTEMBER seconds. On JUNE
30th, I sat in the Pointe
Sienna office waiting for up
to mess to arrive. The parent
educator called both parents
several times. The phones
rang. Then calls were sent to
voicemail. Optimist lives,
walking distance from the
school. I waited patiently but
optimists never showed. Was it
possible they were too scared
to come to their own school?
Could their parents have
deemed it too unsafe to let up
to Mets walk a few blocks from
home. Do they feel that this
community and the only
elementary school this child
has ever known are now a
threat to their family. These
questions raced through my
mind, then gave way to the
most frightening question of
all. If they rescinded
designation remains in effect,
has optimists public school
education ceased altogether.
Is a 5th grade education. All
this child so full of
potential interest and empathy
will receive from Key West.
Commissioners. I encourage you
to support Optum Este and the
other 5,000 Haitian Members of
our community by voting in
support of this resolution to
extend temporary protected
status. Let's ensure safety,
security and access to a
public school education for
all children in Key West. Want
to go So I don't think other
people are here to say is
there anyone else that would
like to speak on this item?
Please come up. Thank you take
the time again. I have some
questions about this. A
meeting last week. We talked
about him.
>> The number of members of
our community who are Haitian.
This is not just here in
Monroe County are Qs a South,
Florida. I mean, this is a lot
of the state of Florida you
know, we heard a lot of
arguments about what we lose
by not extending this. What do
we lose by extending it? But
what is the harm voting to
extend this? Are we might
aggravate some politicians. Is
that the risk that we're on
our we putting the city on the
line by doing this? I
struggling to understand where
the hesitancy is here. I can
tell you, you know. It's not
just the things that we have
here in the city that rely on
these these folks, its county
services, its regional
services. I mean, go look at
where recycling gaps and his
process. It. A lot of the
functions of the city either
direct or indirect rely on on
these folks. Hawaii, is this
such a conundrum? And we've
already talked about the moral
stuff and everything else. And
that's really important. But
I'm not gonna late bloomer
again. I just don't
understand. What the risk is
to extending I'd love some
clarity on that. Thank you.
Yes, go ahead.
>> Jaime, again, Heather's
look about there's 14, 17, 18
street district, 4. I just
want to say, I've got a couple
phone calls this week from
city employees.
>> Who are the directors?
>> Or at or
>> directly in charge with
various members of the Haitian
community that fall under tps
asking my organization that
literally I created a month
ago with several other people
in this.
>> Hall to actively try to
help our immigrant community
members. Literally. I've been
doing this activism work.
>> This round for one month.
>> And your people are calling
me and my people asking for
help and guidance and asking
them asking us for pro bono
lawyers because they're about
to lose no less than 8
employees. Regardless of how
you vote today, tps is ending.
We're kicking all the Haitians
out of the country. It's a big
f#
#
mad.
>> Excuse my language. Your
people are calling my people
asking for help because they
don't know what to Clean your
house.
>> That's it. That's it. All
right. Do we have a motion
motion to approve motion to
approve to have a second
check. It. I have a second by
Commissioner casino. Any
discussion Commissioner Carey
just for clarity. We don't
have the authority.
>> The city does not have the
authority to extend this. But
we are urging and asking for
to think it's quite
appropriate that we do so it
is truly have a large Haitian
community here and the thought
original date was in FEBRUARY
of 2026. And backing it up so
quickly. Now to AUGUST 3rd
with the termination date of
SEPTEMBER second seems. Very,
very quickly that these
families would have to make
arrangements. So it does seem
quite appropriate that we that
we just ask for this
consideration that just for
clarity one gentleman was
asking the city has absolutely
no authority to to make this
decision only to urge the
government to do The
supporting Any other
discussion. Commissioner Yeah,
MADAM Mayor. Think some other
language should be added to
this here.
>> Be in not only Haitians
should extend till. The people
that will be sent back and in
the situation. I mean, it
singles out just Haitian.
>> I believe that's what it's
reference to for the. But
here's other. Hundreds is one.
And don't get me wrong. I'm
I'm I'm in full support of it.
So. It's not like I'm I just
don't want to leave anybody
out that some of the same
sanctions is. My fellow Okay.
We don't know what they are,
but we'll have to bring him
back. Well, I guess the
question this is specific
program, temporary protected
status under.
>> The former administration.
I don't know if are there
other groups under their own I
don't know. Commissioner has
school.
>> I believe this humanitarian
parole program primarily
effects nationals from 4
countries like Commissioner
Casteel said Cuba, Haiti,
Nicaragua and Venezuela.
Commissioner Lee.
>> We're talking about tps
with a parole program month.
This is just temporary
protection.
>> Jennifer Haitian sea well
could be.
>> I don't know. We might want
to postpone this Commissioner
Kaufman be back and
participate. We can bring him
back.
>> so we can go ahead and go
with the resolution we have
now, since we we got a
commission are you sense of
putting it on hold? You're
making a motion for as is
right Ok? Yeah, we have I
second the motion. Oh, I'm
sorry. We have make has
discussions and it's not okay.
Okay. So in speaking with our
hr director today, we do have
to follow the federal law. The
city could be exposed to
hundreds of thousands of
dollars in civil fines per
worker as well as criminal
penalties, including fines and
imprisonment. And then as your
mayor, I cannot support
putting City Hall and this
position. So and we do have
some employees that it could
affect. But we have to follow
the federal law. Not a mission
or Kerry. Just for clarity.
We're just urging the
government right? It's just
asking them to support.
Changing the tea. Correct?
It's ultimately I I don't want
to speak for Commissioner
Hough and but my impression of
it is just expressing support
that we earns right to
continuing it as it's not that
we're implementing anything
that we support extension of
that. Ok, thank you. All
right. We have a motion is
second, any other discussion?
Can you call the Roll, Please?
Commissioner Kerry
commissioner Castillo. Yes,
Commissioner Haskell. Yes.
Commissioner Hoover. Yes.
Commissioner Lee. Yes. Mayor
Enrique Snow. Motion passes.
Okay. Item number 4
ordinances. First reading. An
ordinance of the city of Key
west of the city commission of
Key West, Florida, pursuant to
Section 8.0 1 of the Key West
Charter and that Nick
ordinance, number 25, Dash 11
changing the election date for
the proposed amendments to
section 3.0 1, a.
>> And b of the city charter
to be placed up for referendum
on the NOVEMBER. 3rd, 2026
general election ballot
clarifying the proposed
amended amending language in
Section 3.0 changing the term
of future mayors from 2 years
to 4 years clarifying the
proposed amending language in
Section 3.0 1 b changing the
term limits for future mayors
from 8 12 years providing for
severability, providing for
fielding consistent provisions
providing for an effective
date.
>> And I do have Chris nasa
Coats signed up. Hello, Mayor
and commissioners Chris
mascot, 16, 15 Laird Street. I
had requested that election be
postponed to save $72,000 in
city funds. So I really
appreciate you guys putting
this on the ballot. I
encourage you to put this on
AUGUST election because that
is when municipal elections
here in Key West happen. And I
think it's healthy for us to
have that debate during the
municipal elections. That will
happen in AUGUST. But I do
support this this movement to
make so that we can save some
money. But I do want to point
out one more thing is that we
redesigned City government.
The idea for the mayor to only
have 2 terms was so that every
2 years we could throw out the
entire the majority of the
commission, if the city, if
the city voters wanted to. I
think that a lot voters might
want to do that. Thank you.
>> Thank you. I did sponsor
this ordinance and I
previously requested that I
would like to see the mayor's
term change from 2 years to 4
years. However, I have since
asked that it be postponed
until the 2026 election. This
is the right and responsible
thing to do. So I'm asking for
the commission's support in
moving this forward. Do I have
a motion approve? Have a
motion by Commissioner Lee a
second by Commissioner Any
other discussion. Commissioner
Haskell.
>> When a similar ordinance
came before us earlier, that
was putting the election date
in 2025. For first reading and
never came up for second
reading. That also, I do
remember did that also change
the term limits for future
mayors from 8 years to 12
years or is that on this
version?
>> know that America MAY
commissioner Haskell, that was
a change that was already done
and approved previously. So
the only change that we're
making to this one is
specifically the election date
changing from special election
to the election and a general
election in Thank you. Any
other discussion. Can you call
the roll? Please, commissioner
Carey s commissioner Castillo.
Yes, commissioner Haskell.
Yes, commissioner Hoover. Yes.
Commissioner Lee. Yes. Mayor
Henry gets yes. Motion passes.
>> And at this time our