Isaias Soto
•9/7/2026
At 7 a.m. on Labor Day, protesters gathered at the intersection of Fairway Lake Drive and Gateway Boulevard in Fort Myers to oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while others showed their support for the federal agency. Sydney Burns, one of the protesters, said she wanted to contribute to the cause. "I wanted to make sure that I could be part of adding to the numbers. I think it's important to be here," Burns said. Burns spent her Labor Day morning advocating for immigrant workers. "They are just like we are the same as we are. They want an education. They want a safe place to live, and a safe, stable life the same way that we all do. I think everyone has the right to pursue that," she said. The protest followed one of the largest ICE operations recorded in the county two weeks ago, involving 114 encounters, with 39 tied to federal, state, or local charges. While protesters voiced their opposition to ICE, others expressed their support for the agency and its operations. "They could swear at us, curse at us. It did not matter. We were here in love," said Katherine Williams, who stood in protest against ICE. Wendy Denny, the organizer of the event, said she chose to spend her Labor Day differently this year. "I don't need the barbecue grill, and we need to stop ICE," Denny said. Instead of grilling, Denny said she was "fired up" to advocate for immigrants. "What ICE is doing is unconscionable because the vast majority of people that they are taking off the streets are not criminals. They're good, hardworking people," she said. The organizers of the protest said they meet on the first of every month. 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.
