The city officials in Fort Myers, Florida, have decided to collaborate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in efforts to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. By doing so, Fort Myers aligns itself with other cities like Hialeah, where local police officers are actively participating in the immigration enforcement initiative. This decision was formalized at a meeting held on Friday, where the municipal authorities unanimously approved a memorandum allowing local law enforcement to receive ICE training and assist in deportation efforts.
As reported by the Associated Press, although many speakers at the meeting voiced concerns over potential racial profiling, the city ultimately resolved to assist in apprehending immigrants without legal status and questioning individuals suspected of being immigrants. The report also highlighted that on the eve of the vote, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned that failing to approve immigration agreements could lead to severe consequences, including the suspension of officials.
Earlier in the week, State Attorney General James Uthmeier launched an investigation into council members who initially opposed the agreement, accusing them of enforcing an unlawful sanctuary policy. Uthmeier pointed to recent laws passed by Florida legislators mandating that state and local law enforcement agencies, along with supervisory entities, must strive to "support the enforcement of federal immigration laws." In this context, city attorney Grant Alley emphasized that the attorney general, as the top law enforcement official, demanded "immediate compliance with state immigration laws."
The program known as 287(g), which allows state and local law enforcement to work alongside ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants, has been signed by Fort Myers, Hialeah, Davie, Sunny Isles, Palm Beach Gardens, and Coral Gables in Florida. Furthermore, agreements have been established to grant more authority to law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws, alongside the promotion of state laws criminalizing illegal entry into Florida.
Governor DeSantis has made it clear that Florida will not serve as a sanctuary state. He has implemented measures to ban "sanctuary cities," requiring state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities and threatening to suspend local officials who refuse to work with ICE.
Key Aspects of Fort Myers and ICE Collaboration
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program allows state and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants.
Why did Fort Myers decide to cooperate with ICE?
Fort Myers decided to cooperate with ICE in order to align with state mandates for enforcing federal immigration laws and to avoid severe consequences warned by Governor DeSantis.
What are the concerns associated with this agreement?
There are concerns that the agreement might lead to racial profiling and the targeting of individuals based on their immigration status without legal grounds.