The changes to the policies involve how to proceed when an immigrant is a victim of a crime or a witness needed in a police investigation.

TAMPA, Fla. — Following threats from Attorney General James Uthmeier to remove Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor for immigration policies with the Tampa Police Department, her office sent a response Monday, along with revised policies.

In the letter addressed to Attorney General James Uthmeier, Castor says that it includes “revised policy that removes the language of concern.” Tampa’s mayor goes on to say that “We intend to publish and distribute the updated policy to our officers effective immediately.”

Within the letter, Castor says that the City of Tampa has no intention of violating state or federal law and that her team will continue supporting enforcement of federal immigration law as well as state law.

Last week, Uthmeier’s office sent a letter to Castor threatening to remove her from office if she continues to enforce “sanctuary policies” within the Tampa Police Department. The attorney general specifically noted that the police department bans officers from sharing information with immigration authorities regarding victims or witnesses of a crime, including investigating whether they have legal citizenship status.

The attorney general said these restrictions jeopardize the safety of Tampa residents, and a compliant 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) helps minimize the risks. “You must do better,” Uthmeier said in his letter from March 11.

Monday’s letter, sent by Castor, addresses the changes to the policies, which involve how to proceed when an immigrant is a victim of a crime or a witness needed in a police investigation.

The changes made by the City of Tampa updated part of the Immigration Enforcement Program Procedures within the now-called “Victims and Witnesses” section.

A revised policy reviewed by 10 Tampa Bay News indicates that it has been updated to cite and align with the Florida Statutes, specifically statute 908.104, paragraphs 7 and 9, which address “Cooperation with federal immigration authorities.”

In short, Florida law says police and government agencies don’t have to share information with federal immigration officials about crime victims or witnesses when they are cooperating in an investigation or are necessary in the prosecution of a crime. 

Florida law also prohibits law enforcement from detaining someone for immigration reasons solely because they reported, witnessed, or were a victim of a crime.

Monday, too, Florida sheriffs advocated for immigrants with no criminal records to be able to have a path to stay in the U.S.

10 Tampa Bay News requested comment from the office of the attorney general, but at the time of publication, no statement has been issued in response.