Florida’s Fort Myers is becoming ground zero for the battle over immigration enforcement as liberal council members shed tears over ICE cooperation while Republican leaders threaten legal consequences for non-compliance. An emergency meeting looms after an unexpected tie vote halted the agreement’s approval.
At a glance:
• Fort Myers City Council initially voted unanimously to approve a partnership between ICE and local police, then later deadlocked 3-3 on the memorandum
• Two council members cried during the meeting, which Mayor Kevin Anderson called “embarrassing”
• The memorandum would allow officers to process illegal immigrants charged or convicted of crimes, not actively search for them
• Florida Attorney General warned council members they face possible removal from office for opposing the agreement
• An emergency meeting has been scheduled to revisit the memorandum with additional council members present
Council Members Weep Over Border Security
The Fort Myers city council meeting turned emotional when two council members broke down in tears while voting on a measure that would allow local police to coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Council members Darla Bonk and Diana Giraldo wept openly on the dais as they voted against the memorandum that would have allowed officers to process illegal immigrants charged with crimes.
Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson expressed his disgust with the display, saying it undermined the council’s ability to make rational decisions. “It was a little bit embarrassing. I think when we’re sitting on the dais, there really shouldn’t be room for emotions, because when we get emotional over things, we don’t always make the best decisions,” said Anderson.
The memorandum ultimately failed with a 3-3 tie vote despite earlier unanimous approval of the broader police-ICE partnership. The agreement would not allow officers to actively search for illegal immigrants but would authorize them to process those already charged or convicted of crimes.
Florida Officials Threaten Legal Action
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier delivered a stern warning to the Fort Myers City Council following their split vote.
“Sanctuary policies are illegal in Florida. Your vote last night makes you a sanctuary city. Fix this problem or face the consequences,” Uthmeier said.
Governor Ron DeSantis reinforced the state’s position on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. “Thanks to the laws we’ve recently enacted in Florida, local entities are required to participate in federal immigration enforcement. The 287(g) program trains local law enforcement to aid ICE. Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration—the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly,” said DeSantis.
Uthmeier explicitly mentioned that council members opposing the agreement could face civil or criminal penalties, including potential removal from office. Mayor Anderson affirmed that Fort Myers is not a sanctuary city and emphasized that the city takes public safety seriously.
Community Reaction Mostly Opposes Agreement
The council chambers were packed during the contentious meeting, with peaceful protesters gathered outside. Out of 51 people who participated in the public comment session, only three expressed support for the ICE agreement, including State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulika.
Those opposed to the measure raised concerns about potential racial profiling and government overreach. “I’m scared of what it means for people who don’t look white enough,” said Pamela Vasquez, a local resident who felt betrayed by the council’s initial unanimous approval.
Henry Jackson was one of the few who spoke in favor of the agreement, emphasizing accountability for those who enter the country illegally. “They came by their own free will, and they broke the law,” Jackson stated, suggesting that body cameras should be used during interactions with illegal immigrants to ensure proper conduct.
An emergency meeting has been scheduled to revisit the memorandum, with an additional council member expected to attend who could break the deadlock. The outcome remains uncertain as the city grapples with implementing state directives while addressing community concerns.
