DeKalb GA News

The Fort Myers City Council recently convened to deliberate on a proposal concerning cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposed agreement would empower local police officers to question individuals suspected of being in the United States illegally and process them for immigration violations if they were arrested for a crime. Officers would also be permitted to make arrests without a warrant if they believed someone was violating immigration laws and might escape before obtaining one.

The council's decision resulted in a 3-3 tie, effectively blocking the proposal. During the meeting, some council members opposed to the collaboration with ICE expressed their emotions visibly by crying and holding hands.

Julio Rosas shared video footage of the meeting on social media, highlighting the emotional reactions of those who voted against the measure: "I can't stand behind this as an immigrant, the only immigrant sitting…"

Public reaction included criticism from users like Bosspuma1, who commented: "Absolutely disgusting behavior for a city council."

In response to the council's decision, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened three members with removal from office unless they agree to deputize police officers for immigration enforcement. Uthmeier stated that Governor Ron DeSantis could take action against them if they failed to comply. In his letter sent after Monday's vote, he warned: “Failure to correct the Council’s actions will result in the enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including but not limited to being held in contempt, declaratory or injunctive relief, and removal from office by the Governor.”

The issue remains unresolved as public testimony and debate continue around this contentious topic.