Staff Reports
The Fort Myers City Council has ignited a political firestorm by rejecting a proposed agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives and state officials. The deadlocked 3-3 vote blocked a Memorandum of Agreement under the 287(g) program, which would have allowed local police officers to receive federal training to enforce immigration laws. This move has sparked accusations of creating a “sanctuary city” in defiance of state and federal mandates, further intensifying Florida’s already heated immigration debate.
Congressman Byron Donalds, a staunch supporter of law enforcement and immigration enforcement, has been vocal in condemning the council’s decision. Donalds, who is running for governor with former President Trump’s endorsement, called for the removal of council members who voted against the agreement. He argued that their actions represented a “dereliction of duty” and violated their oath to uphold state and federal law. Donald’s stance reflects broader conservative frustration with local governments undermining immigration enforcement efforts, which they view as essential to public safety.
Attorney General James Uthmeier has also entered the fray, warning the council members that their vote risks suspension from office under Florida law. Uthmeier’s letter emphasized that sanctuary policies are illegal in Florida and that failure to comply with ICE cooperation requirements could result in civil and criminal penalties. Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his tough stance on immigration, has previously removed local officials for similar defiance, signaling potential consequences for Fort Myers leaders if they do not reverse course.
The controversy underscores the clash between local governance and state authority in enforcing immigration laws. Council members who opposed the agreement cited concerns about racial profiling and questioned whether undocumented immigrants were significantly contributing to crime in Fort Myers. However, critics argue that such objections are rooted in emotional rhetoric rather than factual evidence. Mayor Kevin Anderson expressed frustration over the vote, warning that it jeopardizes millions of dollars in state and federal grants tied to compliance with immigration enforcement.
This battle in Fort Myers is emblematic of the broader national debate over immigration policy under President Trump’s administration. With Trump ramping up deportation efforts and invoking rarely used laws like the Alien Enemies Act to remove criminal aliens, conservatives see local resistance as undermining efforts to restore law and order. As Byron Donald’s campaign for governor, his promise to hold local officials accountable aligns with his broader vision of prioritizing public safety and enforcing immigration laws without compromise. The stakes are high, and this unfolding drama will likely shape Florida’s political landscape heading into future elections.
