Fort Myers City Council Faces Pressure Over ICE Partnership Vote

An emergency meeting is set to revisit the 287(g) agreement after state officials warned of legal consequences for noncompliance with Florida law.

The Fort Myers City Council initially voted 3-3 on a memorandum with ICE, blocking its passage and preventing local police from acting as ICE agents under the 287(g) program.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis warned that the vote violates state law mandating local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, threatening penalties including removal from office.
Councilwoman Darla Bonk opposed the agreement, citing unanswered questions about its implications, costs, and potential liability for officers.
Councilwoman Diana Giraldo also opposed the measure, expressing concerns about racial profiling and its potential impact on Hispanic communities.
An emergency meeting scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, will revisit the agreement, with the outcome potentially changing due to the attendance of an additional council member.