Congressman Byron Donalds demanded the removal of several Fort Myers City Council members on Tuesday after they voted against allowing local law enforcement to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in federal immigration enforcement. The controversial decision led to emotional reactions from two Democratic council members, Darla Bonk and Diana Giraldo, who broke down in tears while opposing the measure.
The proposed agreement would have authorized Fort Myers police to question individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally and process them for immigration violations if they were arrested for a crime. The motion resulted in a deadlocked 3-3 vote, leading to its rejection. Mayor Kevin Anderson and Councilmen Fred Burson and Liston Bochette voted in favor, while Councilwoman Terolyn Watson joined Bonk and Giraldo in opposing it, as reported by Fox 4.
Rep. Donalds took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his frustration, stating, “The Fort Myers City Council thinks it can flout POTUS, Congress, the Governor, and the State Legislature. Federal law demands illegal aliens are deported. Florida law allows police to be deputized by ICE to assist in deportations. These rogue council members SHOULD BE REMOVED.”
Councilwoman Bonk became emotional during the meeting, stating, “It is a tumultuous day and age,” before breaking down in tears. Councilwoman Giraldo, an immigrant herself, also became visibly upset, saying, “I can’t stand behind this as an immigrant, the only immigrant sitting in this council.”
Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in on the controversy, asserting that local governments must comply with Florida’s immigration laws. “Thanks to the laws we’ve recently enacted in Florida, local entities are required to participate in federal immigration enforcement,” DeSantis wrote on X. “Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration – the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly.”
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into the council’s decision, calling it “very troubling.” He noted that preventing law enforcement from entering a 287(g) agreement with ICE could violate Florida law. “These council members’ actions likely run afoul of Florida Statute, and my office will be investigating,” Uthmeier stated.
