Governor DeSantis comments on contentious ICE vote by Fort Myers City Council | Lee County

Key Information

• Governor: Ron DeSantis
• Context: Emergency vote on immigration and ICE partnership
• City Council Decision: Denied partnership with ICE
• Date of Vote: Scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. EST
• Public Reaction: Mixed opinions among residents
• Legal Implications: Attorney General claims violation of state law

Governor Ron DeSantis is poised to take action against the Fort Myers City Council as they prepare for an emergency vote regarding immigration issues. The council recently opted not to partner with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a decision that has drawn ire from state leaders.

DeSantis made it clear that local jurisdictions in Florida need to assist in immigration enforcement: “Under our law, they must be involved in it,” he stated during a press conference referencing the Fort Myers situation. “And that will happen one way or another.”

The Fort Myers City Council reached an impasse regarding a proposed agreement that would allow the city’s police to collaborate with ICE for detaining and arresting individuals suspected of residing in the U.S. illegally.

According to DeSantis, the city is legally obligated to comply. He remarked, “The city council’s fighting the mayor and the police chief about whether Fort Myers PD should be involved in it, and it’s not a policy question at this point.”

With 67 county sheriffs already having signed agreements with ICE, DeSantis insists municipalities must follow suit.

Opinions among residents are divided. Fort Myers inhabitant Israel Coover expressed concerns, calling the situation “tyrannical.” In contrast, Nancy Morrell supported an ICE partnership, suggesting a need for decisive action: “If it’s that much of a tie, then someone just has to make a decision and go forward with it.”

Mayor Kevin Anderson expressed optimism that the forthcoming meeting will yield an “amenable resolve” aligned with federal and state directives.

Council member Darla Bonk, who voted against the ICE partnership, has faced intense public backlash, including the release of her personal information.

When asked about the need for a vote, FGCU political science professor Peter Bergeson explained, “It’s really more of a formality,” indicating that it serves to affirm cooperation between local, federal, and state agencies.

Despite this, the impending vote carries substantial political implications. Bergeson noted that the involvement of high-profile political figures has magnified the issue’s significance in local media.

Regardless of how the vote unfolds, Bergeson indicated that the implications of the council’s discussions will remain political. “They do not need that to do it. It’s an indication of cooperation,” he explained, noting that it primarily concerns Fort Myers Police Department training in ICE processes.

A city spokesperson explained that the council’s vote aligns with city charter requirements, but Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has publicly criticized the decision, asserting it contradicts state law and amounts to enacting a sanctuary policy.

The Fort Myers community reflects a similar divide as the council heads into the vote. Coover expressed a desire for the council to vote against the partnership but acknowledged the potential consequences, such as decreased public funding. Armando Mercado voiced his confusion at any vote against collaboration with ICE, believing it could lead to a safer environment.

The City Council meeting is set for Friday at 2 p.m., with Mayor Anderson stating, “The City of Fort Myers has scheduled a City Council Emergency Special Meeting this Friday (3/21) at 2 p.m. EST to revisit the proposed memorandum between FMPD and ICE. This is another tool for our police to keep our City safe. With that, City Management has been taking proactive steps to readdress the matter, and I hope tomorrow’s meeting leads to an amenable resolve with federal and state directives.”