In a significant shift from earlier this week, every member of the Fort Myers City Council voted on Friday in favor of a decision that will have the Fort Myers Police Department work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The decision follows pressure from several sources, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and the State Attorney General, who had labeled Fort Myers a "sanctuary city" after the council initially voted against collaboration with ICE. Additionally, there were threats from state officials to remove council members who voted against the proposal.
Councilwoman Darla Bonk stated that the FBI had to step in to provide protection to her and her family after receiving death threats.
This vote, which took place Friday afternoon, marks a dramatic reversal from Monday’s split vote, when the proposal failed to pass after strong opposition.
The unanimous vote on Friday will allow nominated Fort Myers police officers to undergo training from ICE agents and work under their direction to handle immigration-related duties.
On Monday, the council had been divided over concerns that working with ICE could lead to racial profiling and violate the Fourth Amendment.
In an emergency meeting on Friday, three council members who had previously voted against the proposal changed their votes, leading to the unanimous approval.
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