Fort Myers Mayor Expresses Disappointment, Embarrassment After Contentious ICE Vote Goes Viral
Fort Myers, Florida – A Fort Myers City Council meeting has ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing state and national attention after a vote on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) concerning cooperation between city police officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resulted in a 3-3 deadlock. The tie vote, punctuated by visible displays of emotion from two council members, has triggered a wave of criticism, legal warnings, and public debate over immigration enforcement and local governance.
Mayor Kevin Anderson expressed his deep disappointment and embarrassment over the events that unfolded during the meeting, which has since gone viral on social media. The MOA in question would have authorized city law enforcement to receive specialized training and the authority to act as ICE agents, enabling them to detain and arrest individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, among other functions.
Anderson, speaking to FOX 35, emphasized his concern that the emotional reactions displayed by some council members could compromise sound decision-making. "I think when we’re sitting on the dais, there really shouldn’t be room for emotions, because when we get emotional over things, we don’t always make the best decisions," he stated. "We need to be strong, and we need to use facts and truth and information to make our decisions and not feelings of emotion."
The critical vote saw Council members Darla Bonk and Diana Giraldo openly express their opposition to the MOA, with both tearing up as they voiced their concerns. Bonk, her voice trembling, spoke about the potential risk of losing crucial state and federal funding if the agreement were to be adopted. "It is a tumultuous day and age. And this is a day I hate to be in this seat," she said. "But my city is not for sale."
Giraldo, identifying herself as the only immigrant on the council, shared her deep reservations about the proposed agreement. "I can’t stand behind this as an immigrant," she declared.
Anderson, a proponent of the MOA, sought to clarify the scope of the agreement during the meeting, emphasizing that it would not empower officers to indiscriminately seek out undocumented immigrants. Rather, it would grant them the authority to arrest and process individuals who had already been charged or convicted of a crime.
The fallout from the vote has been swift and severe. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier swiftly responded with a letter demanding that the city council reverse its position, warning of potential civil or criminal penalties for operating as a "sanctuary city," a designation prohibited under Florida law.
"Sanctuary policies are illegal in Florida," Uthmeier asserted in a post on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a copy of his letter. "Your vote last night makes you a sanctuary city. Fix this problem or face the consequences."
Governor Ron DeSantis echoed Uthmeier’s sentiments in his own X post, reaffirming the state’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws. "Thanks to the laws we’ve recently enacted in Florida, local entities are required to participate in federal immigration enforcement," DeSantis wrote. "The 287 (g) program trains local law enforcement to aid ICE. Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration—the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly."
Uthmeier further elaborated on the potential consequences in a local interview, suggesting that council members who opposed the MOA could face removal from office. Anderson acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that those who voted against the agreement should be concerned.
"If I was in the shoes of the ones who voted against it, I’d be very concerned right now," Anderson told FOX 35. "When it comes to public service, the governor has demonstrated over the last several years that he is very serious about holding people accountable to the oath of office."
Despite the controversy, Anderson maintained that Fort Myers is not a sanctuary city and remains committed to public safety. "I was very disappointed and also embarrassed for our city," he said, reflecting on the vote.
An emergency meeting has been scheduled for Friday to revisit the memorandum, offering a potential opportunity to break the deadlock. The absent council member from the original vote is expected to be in attendance, potentially shifting the balance of power.
Anderson acknowledged the unpredictable nature of city council proceedings, stating, "You never know how the council’s going to go."
The situation in Fort Myers underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding immigration enforcement at the local level, highlighting the tensions between federal mandates, state laws, and local autonomy. The outcome of Friday’s emergency meeting will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for immigration policy and the relationship between the city council and state authorities. The episode also underscores the highly charged political atmosphere surrounding immigration, where even local decisions can quickly escalate into national debates.
