A heated debate in Fort Myers City Council ended in tears as council members grappled with a controversial immigration enforcement proposal.

According to Fox News, the Fort Myers City Council failed to pass a memorandum of agreement that would have allowed local law enforcement officers to receive training and authority to act as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The contentious meeting on Monday saw council members Darla Bonk and Diana Giraldo become visibly emotional while expressing their opposition to the agreement. The proposal, which aimed to grant city police officers the power to detain and arrest illegal immigrants, failed to secure approval with a 3-3 deadlock vote, as one council member was absent from the proceedings.

Emotional Council members voice grave concerns

Council member Darla Bonk struggled to maintain composure during her remarks, expressing deep concern about the potential loss of state and federal funding if she opposed the agreement. She stated:

It is a tumultuous day and age. And this is a day I hate to be in this seat. But my city is not for sale.

Diana Giraldo, the only immigrant serving on the council, shared her personal perspective on the matter. She worried the memorandum could lead to racial profiling of Hispanic citizens within the community. Both council members demonstrated their solidarity by holding hands during their emotional addresses to the chamber.

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson defended the proposed memorandum, attempting to clarify its scope and limitations. He emphasized that the agreement would not authorize officers to actively search for illegal immigrants or conduct random raids, but rather would only apply to individuals who had already been charged with or convicted of crimes.

State officials respond with stern warning

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier swiftly responded to the council's decision with a strongly worded letter on Tuesday. He warned the city council that their vote effectively transformed Fort Myers into a sanctuary city, which violates state law. The attorney general demanded immediate action to rectify the situation.

In an interview with local media, Uthmeier elaborated on the potential consequences facing the council members. He explained that their decision could violate Florida's law prohibiting sanctuary policies that impede federal immigration law enforcement. The attorney general mentioned that possible penalties could include removal from office.

The attorney general's office maintained a firm stance on enforcement, though they did not specify an exact timeline for potential actions against the council members if the memorandum remains unapproved.

Emergency meeting scheduled amid mounting pressure

In response to the growing tension, Mayor Anderson announced an emergency meeting scheduled for Friday to reconsider the memorandum. The mayor expressed hope for finding a resolution that aligns with both federal and state directives.

Anderson released a statement defending the memorandum as an essential tool for maintaining public safety. He emphasized the city administration's proactive approach to addressing the situation and expressed optimism about reaching an acceptable agreement during the upcoming emergency session.

The controversy highlights the complex relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the challenges faced by local governments in navigating state and federal requirements.

Stakes rise as deadline approaches

The Fort Myers City Council faces mounting pressure to reverse their decision on the ICE memorandum of agreement, which failed to pass with a 3-3 vote during Monday's emotional session.

The decision has drawn immediate criticism from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who threatened civil and criminal penalties if the council maintains its current position.

As the city prepares for Friday's emergency meeting, council members must weigh their personal convictions against potential legal consequences and the risk of being removed from office for violating Florida's sanctuary city prohibition.