ICE Melts in Key West- Key West City Commissioners vote 6-1 to void the (287) g agreement
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Last night I had the opportunity to watch Democracy in action. Key West City Hall was jammed with citizens concerned for the wellbeing of their families, friends, and neighbors.
The cruelty and illegality of the current government purge of migrants in our country is reminiscent of similar events in the planet’s past. The lessons of history must be remembered.
As citizens concerned for our democracy and the “rule of law,” we turned out to let our elected officials know we were watching and horrified at the extremely cruel ways these policies are being implemented.
In these United States, did you ever think you would see heavily armed thugs with no identifying badges wearing masks just snatch people off the street! Gone! “Disappearing”! Basically Kidnapping! Many of these folks had legal status. How inconvenient! So POTUS just issues a directive cancelling the “status” of folks who have become valuable, contributing members of our communities.
But there is a bigger issue here as well when local officials are mis-led or mis-informed by their peers and others higher up the food chain.
Last night our fair city had the opportunity to look at a policy that the citizens felt was wrong and make it right.
So many folks spoke out against the agreement with ICE that our Chief of Police signed back in March.
I agree with all of them. However, the person who called out “NAZI” when our Chief got up to explain his position was out of line. Our Chief did what he was advised to do by folks who are all professionals in a field that is dangerous and complex on a good day. He was placed “between a rock and a hard place.” He thought he had no choice. (my opinion)
I have a great deal of respect for Chief Brandenburg. I have collaborated with him on several events over the last 8 years and found him to be accessible, professional, and thoughtful. He genuinely cares about our community.
I ask you to do research about how and why this policy was implemented in the state of Florida and how many Law Enforcement professionals have been threatened for expressing doubts about it as well.
The City Commission did the right thing last night by voiding the agreement. They took the onus off the Chief and rightly so.
The Citizens did the right thing by showing up to question and protest the injustice. We must continue to do that as we work to save our communities and our country!
Thank you Commissioners Haskell, Hoover, Lee, Castillo, Kaufman, and Mayor Henriquez!
Marbert A Sise
Key West, Fl.