Fort Myers City Council Members Take a Stand Against ICE Training in Local Police Force

Fort Myers City Council Members Diana Giraldo (Ward 2), Terolyn Waton (Ward 3), and Darla Bonk (Ward 6)

Fort Myers, Florida- In a bold and principled move, three Fort Myers City Council members—Terolyn Watson (Ward 3), Diana Giraldo (Ward 2), and Darla Bonk (Ward 6)—blocked a controversial initiative that would have allowed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to train local police officers in immigration enforcement. Their decisive votes prevented the city from joining the federal 287(g) program, which deputizes local law enforcement to carry out immigration duties traditionally reserved for federal agents.

What Was Proposed?

The proposal, introduced during the Fort Myers City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, sought to authorize certain Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) officers to receive ICE training. This training would have enabled officers to question individuals about their immigration status, detain undocumented residents, and make warrantless arrests based on suspected immigration violations.

Supporters of the proposal, including Mayor Kevin Anderson and Police Chief Jason Fields, argued that this initiative would have provided law enforcement with additional tools to address crime. However, critics—both on the council and among residents—warned of the dangers of turning local police into immigration officers.

Why This Proposal Was Dangerous

Had this initiative passed, Fort Myers police officers would have been effectively deputized as federal immigration agents, a move that has been widely criticized in other cities for leading to racial profiling, wrongful detentions, and a breakdown in community trust.

Law enforcement experts have repeatedly warned that when local police engage in immigration enforcement, community members—especially immigrants—become less likely to report crimes, fearing that any interaction with police could lead to deportation. This policy could have made Fort Myers less safe for everyone, not just immigrants.

Additionally, the proposal conflicted with the core mission of local policing, which is to ensure public safety for all residents—regardless of immigration status. Forcing local police into federal immigration enforcement could have strained already limited resources, diverted officers from addressing violent crimes, and deepened divisions between law enforcement and the community.

The Fierce Opposition and the Vote That Stopped It

The proposal sparked heated debate both inside and outside the council chambers. More than 20 residents spoke against the measure, arguing that it would disproportionately target people of color, lead to increased racial profiling, and undermine trust in the police department.

During the discussion, Councilwoman Diana Giraldo pressed for answers on how the city would ensure that racial profiling did not occur. Councilwoman Terolyn Watson voiced her deep concerns about the potential for abuse and harm to the community.

In the end, the council reached a 3-3 deadlock, effectively blocking the measure from moving forward.

• Terolyn Watson, Diana Giraldo, and Darla Bonk voted against the initiative.

• Mayor Kevin Anderson, Fred Burson, and Liston Bochette voted in favor.

Despite pressure from state officials, Watson, Giraldo, and Bonk refused to back down. Their courage in standing against this measure sends a strong message: Fort Myers will not be complicit in policies that endanger immigrant communities and undermine public safety.

This vote is a victory for justice, safety, and the fundamental rights of all Fort Myers residents.