Lehigh Acres Fire District denies involvement in immigration enforcement after social media claims

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District said it was not involved in federal immigration enforcement activities after social media posts circulated claiming otherwise.

In a statement, the district said it is aware of social media posts regarding federal law enforcement activity occurring near one of its fire stations but said claims involving the agency are false.

"The Fire District is not detaining, transporting, or holding individuals at any of our facilities," the district said. "Our personnel are not involved in immigration enforcement activities."

The district also said claims that it or its personnel were transporting or holding detainees "are false."

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According to the statement, the district "did not authorize the use of its property for the activities depicted in the social media posts."

The district said its fire stations remain open and accessible to the public and emphasized that its mission continues to be providing emergency fire, rescue and emergency medical services to all members of the community "without regard to immigration status or any other protected characteristic."

"The safety of our employees, visitors, and the public remains our highest priority," the statement said.

The district said it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and will work with the appropriate agencies "to ensure that District operations are not disrupted and that our facilities remain focused on serving the public."

Because the matter involves another agency, the district said it "cannot speak on its behalf or comment on its operations."

The statement concluded by thanking the community for its concern and reaffirming the district's commitment to serving "everyone in Lehigh Acres with professionalism, compassion, and respect."