DeSantis considers suspending Fort Myers City Council members following ICE vote

SARASOTA, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday that Fort Myers must enter into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or he is ready to suspend elected officials from their positions. Speaking from a golden-hued wingback chair during a roundtable at New College of Florida, and alongside U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan, DeSantis emphasized that Florida law mandates all local governments to formalize agreements with ICE.

Watch Ryan’s report on what the governor had to say:

GOV. RON DESANTIS CONSIDERS SUSPENDING FORT MYERS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

“You saw this thing where the city council is fighting the Mayor and the Police Chief over whether Fort Myers PD should be involved in it,” he said, referring to a recent failed proposal before the Fort Myers City Council. “It’s not a policy question at this point of whether they should be involved in it. Under our law, they must be involved in it. And one way or another, we will get that done.”

The law DeSantis referenced is part of a broader immigration reform package enacted last month. These agreements empower local law enforcement to receive training from ICE agents, enabling them to carry out immigration enforcement tasks. Notably, all 67 Florida sheriffs have already signed these agreements, making Fort Myers the only locality yet to do so.

During a heated and emotional city council meeting, three members—Diana Giraldo, Darla Bonk, and Terolyn Watson—opposed a proposal that would have allowed ICE agents to train Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) officers for immigration enforcement activities. In response, the city council announced plans for a special meeting on Friday afternoon to reconsider the issue.

“Now, if these local governments are not being part of the solution, we have a lot of tools—including the suspension of office—that we can use,” DeSantis warned. Congressman Byron Donalds, representing the district that includes Fort Myers, has called for the removal of the three council members who voted against the agreement. Additionally, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has taken action, sending a letter to the city stating that the council’s decision violated state law.

Key Information

• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Governor: Ron DeSantis
• Issue: Fort Myers not signing agreement with ICE
• Consequences: Possible suspension of elected officials
• Local Council Members Opposing: Diana Giraldo, Darla Bonk, Terolyn Watson
• State Law Violation: Confirmed by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier
• Congressional Response: Congressman Byron Donalds called for removal of opposing council members