Fort Myers, FL City Council Tearfully Holding Hands Blocks ICE Cooperation, Faces Backlash

By /

The Fort Myers City Council split 3-3 on a proposal to have its police department join the 287(g) program, which trains local officers to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws. The rejection triggered legal threats from Florida’s attorney general and criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials.

Key Facts:

  • The council vote was 3-3, preventing Fort Myers police from joining the 287(g) program.
  • Council members Darla Bonk, Diana Giraldo, and Terolyn Watson opposed the agreement, while Fred Burson, Liston Bochette, and Mayor Kevin Anderson supported it.
  • Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the city could face legal consequences, including the removal of council members by the governor.
  • The 287(g) program, already adopted by all 67 Florida sheriffs and several municipalities, enhances local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds condemned the vote, accusing the council of violating state law and endangering public safety.

Sign Up For The TFPP Wire Newsletter

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You may opt out at any time.

The Rest of The Story:

The 287(g) program allows trained officers to flag illegal immigrants for deportation when they commit crimes.

Fort Myers was set to join the agreement, in line with every county sheriff in Florida, but the split vote halted the move.

During the heated city council meeting, Councilmembers Giraldo and Bonk became emotional, holding hands and crying as they opposed the measure.

Giraldo, an immigrant herself, argued that most immigrants do not come to the U.S. to commit crimes.

Bonk insisted the city should not be forced into compliance for financial reasons.

Mayor Kevin Anderson and Police Chief Jason Fields countered that the program does not target law-abiding immigrants but allows officers to cooperate with ICE when they encounter illegal immigrants involved in crimes.

“This was a tool to help our officers enhance the level of public safety, and now we’ve prevented them from putting that tool in the toolbox, and I also think we’ve done a disservice because we could be putting hundreds of millions of dollars of grant money at risk and we also put the city in the position where we’re in violation of state law,” said Mayor Anderson.

“I believe the governor could remove those who voted against it, and he has said so in the past that he would,” Anderson added.

Attorney General Uthmeier told the council in a letter Tuesday to rectify their stance.

“Sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida,” Uthmeier wrote. “Failure to correct the Council’s actions will result in the enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including but not limited to being held in contempt, declaratory or injunctive relief, and removal from office by the Governor.”

Critics say rejecting the agreement effectively turns Fort Myers into a sanctuary city, violating Florida law.

Commentary:

The decision by three Fort Myers council members to block the 287(g) agreement is a blatant act of defiance against state and federal law.

Florida has made it clear that local governments must cooperate with immigration enforcement, yet these officials have chosen to protect criminal illegal immigrants instead of their own constituents.

Tears and emotional appeals cannot change the fact that enforcing immigration laws is a matter of public safety.

Councilwoman Giraldo’s personal story is irrelevant when criminals who should be deported are allowed to remain in the community.

The reality is that violent offenders, like the illegal immigrant who killed Laken Riley, continue to pose a threat when cities refuse to cooperate with ICE.

Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier has already signaled that consequences are coming, and rightfully so.

Fort Myers risks losing funding and could see its defiant council members removed from office.

If these officials want to prioritize illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens, they have no business holding public office.

Governor DeSantis and other leaders are correct in calling out the council’s recklessness.

Blocking ICE cooperation makes the city a safe haven for criminals and signals to human traffickers that Fort Myers is open for business.

The majority of Floridians expect their leaders to uphold the law, not bend to activist pressure.

The Bottom Line:

Fort Myers’ refusal to join the 287(g) program undermines state and federal immigration enforcement, effectively making it a sanctuary city.

The council members who voted against the agreement have invited legal and political consequences, including possible removal from office.

Florida’s leadership has made it clear—cities must follow immigration laws, and those who defy them will be held accountable.

Sign Up For The TFPP Wire Newsletter

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You may opt out at any time.

Read Next

– England Just Committed Cultural Suicide, It’s Over For Them

– Houthi Terror Chief Responds to Trump’s Air Strikes, He Just Made a BIG Mistake

– Trump Issues Statement Regarding Biden’s Pre-Emptive Pardons, This is HUGE