Protesters rally against ICE operations in Fort Myers

Dozens of protesters gathered in downtown Fort Myers on Wednesday evening to voice their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations across the Gulf Coast. The group began their demonstration at 6 p.m. in front of the Luminary Hotel, spending hours protesting ICE activities. "How many of these people that get detained have hardly actually had any prior convictions?" said Cory Andrews, an anti-ICE protester. Legal observers with Unidos Immokalee stated that the Luminary Hotel is one of several hotels in downtown Fort Myers where ICE agents are reportedly staying. Gulf Coast News has reached out to the Luminary Hotel, but it declined to comment. "People don't agree with it. They don't like the violence and everything else like that. The majority of people would rather see law and order, but at the same time, justice," Andrews said. Protest organizers shared videos showing unmarked vehicles in hotel parking lots, which they claim are typically used by ICE officers. "I wish Americans across the country, not just in Southwest Florida, understood that it doesn't just affect people of color. Eventually it's going to circle around. It's going to affect everybody," said one protester. Fort Myers police officers patrolled the area as a few counter-protesters appeared, but the event remained peaceful. When asked about the number of agents staying at hotels across the Gulf Coast, ICE responded, "For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations." DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV