3/12/26, 8:00 PM

The Voices Foundation issued this statement in full support of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s efforts to hold Tampa Mayor Jane Castor accountable for sanctuary-style policies that put Floridians at risk. Angel families in Tampa, directly affected by these policies, are speaking out and we believe this is an urgent public safety issue for our community.

TAMPA, FLORIDA (3/12/26) — Today, the Voices Foundation issued the following statement in full support of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s decision to hold the leadership of the City of Tampa accountable for sanctuary-style policies that undermine immigration enforcement and put Floridians at risk. We believe the Attorney General is right to consider every legal option available — including the removal of Jane Castor from office.

Florida law is clear. Sanctuary policies are illegal in this state. No mayor, police department, or local politician gets to ignore the law simply because it is politically convenient.

It is precisely because of policies like these that the Voices Foundation was created in the first place. Families right here in the Tampa Bay community have experienced firsthand the devastating consequences that can occur when immigration laws are ignored or enforcement is weakened.

These tragedies are not happening somewhere else — they have happened in the mayor’s own backyard.

It is also why the Voices Foundation strongly advocated for legislation such as the Shane Jones Act during this legislative session and the year prior. These laws are necessary because, despite the fact that sanctuary jurisdictions are illegal in Florida, some local officials still appear emboldened to push the limits of the law for political grandstanding rather than focusing on the safety of the residents they were elected to protect.

When local leaders send the message that immigration laws will not be fully enforced, the consequences are real — and families in Tampa Bay know that reality all too well.

Angel families are the ones who must live forever with the consequences of sanctuary-style policies. The people of Tampa deserve leadership that respects the rule of law and prioritizes the safety of its residents. If Tampa’s leadership refuses to comply with Florida law, then Attorney General Uthmeier is absolutely right to step in and enforce it.