Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a stern message to Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony on Monday morning—enforce immigration laws or get removed from office. The warning came after Tony’s comments last week at a Broward County Commission workshop. Tony declared enforcement of immigration laws was not a priority of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO).

Uthmeier reminded Tony how Florida law requires the sheriff to “use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws.” Uthmeier said “best efforts” means Tony must support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Uthmeier said BSO signed two agreements with ICE, but the entering into these agreements does not satisfy Florida law’s “best efforts” requirements.

After listing numerous crimes committed by illegal aliens in Broward, Uthmeier states with nearly 56% of the funds from the Broward County budget, BSO has the resources to help enforce immigration laws.

“I venture to suggest that there is room in your $765 million budget to abide by state law, cooperate fully with the federal government, and protect Florida citizens from illegal aliens,” Uthmeier said. “Broward County citizens deserve to be safe from crime, especially crime that is preventable through proactive enforcement of immigration law.”

Uthmeier asked Tony to “immediately clarify your remarks to affirm that your policy and intention is to fulfill your obligation” to enforce immigration laws under Florida Statutes.

Uthmeier stated Tony’s failure to adhere to Florida law could ultimately lead to his removal from office by Governor Ron DeSantis.