Lee County Sheriff's Office seeks more than $20M for immigration enforcement

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is asking for nearly $23 million in additional funds to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, leading to mixed reactions from local residents and political leaders.

Kathy Mayo, a Lee County resident who has been protesting ICE activity on the Gulf Coast, expressed her disapproval.

"I resent the fact that our taxpayer money is just being funneled into this pipeline that's based on fear," Mayo said.

State data shows that since August, LCSO has had the most ICE encounters in Florida, with over a thousand people stopped and 295 arrested on federal immigration charges.

Records from the State Board of Immigration Enforcement indicate that the sheriff's office is requesting millions for new technology, including body cameras equipped with AI translators, license plate readers and surveillance towers.

Wayne Wilson, another Lee County resident, supports the funding request.

"They really need it. You know, get on it. If they need it, give it to them," Wilson said. "I'm sure there's some decent people, but there's a lot of bad ones, too, and we need to get rid of them."

The money would come from a $250 million pot approved by the legislature last year, aimed at reimbursing agencies for immigration work and giving bonuses to officers.

Mercedes Price Harry, chair of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, expressed her concerns in a statement: "While Republicans are strong supporters of our Lee County Sheriffs, I pause at the amount of funding the department receives and want to see tax dollars take care of our officers and their families first and foremost."

People concerned over ICE activity, like Mayo, said the request is alarming.

"That we are ruling by fear is just a horrible thought," Mayo said. "I never thought I'd see that in my country. Yeah, I thought we were better than that."

Leaders with LCSO wrote this statement:

"The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was recently provided the opportunity to apply for state funding made available through a grant program. We can confirm that the agency has submitted an application in the amount of $22.6 million.

"If approved, these funds would be dedicated to enhancing the sheriff’s office’s equipment, technology, and overall operational capabilities. Strategic investments in these areas would strengthen our ability to serve the community effectively and ensure our deputies are equipped with the best tools necessary to meet evolving public safety needs.

"The application is currently under review and remains in the approval phase. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to transparency and to our core mission of safeguarding the residents of Lee County. Should this funding be awarded, it will represent a significant investment in the continued safety and well-being of our community."

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