Fort Myers council approves ICE training agreement despite opposition

Fort Myers City Council members changed their minds and unanimously approved an agreement to train local police officers as agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision came just four days after a previous deadlocked vote had rejected the agreement. The meeting was very crowded, with many residents voicing strong opposition. Many speakers expressed concerns about the agreement's constitutionality and its unclear details. Council members who voted against the agreement faced threats from state officials and even death threats from some residents. State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka supported the agreement, saying that voting against it would be against the law. She referenced the case of Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller, who was killed by an undocumented immigrant in 2018, suggesting that the agreement could prevent similar tragedies. Most of the public comments during the three-hour meeting were against the agreement. Some residents argued that the agreement was hastily prepared and lacked necessary details. They criticized the potential for local police to stop and interrogate people based on a belief that they are undocumented. Councilwoman Diana Giraldo, an immigrant herself, reiterated previous concerns about police actions under the agreement. She expressed discomfort with its vague language and potential for racial profiling. Despite the criticism, the council voted 7-0 to approve the agreement. City Attorney Grant Alley stated that state guidance suggested the council had to approve it, though he admitted that it was not entirely clear. Residents remained skeptical and worried that the new policy would create fear and distrust in the community. Many stressed that the agreement was more about intimidation than public safety. In conclusion, the council felt pressure from state officials to approve the agreement, even as some members criticized the lack of information and guidance leading up to the vote.