Fort Myers City Council Reinstates ICE Partnership Amid Legal Debate

The Fort Myers City Council has voted to reinstate its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing local police to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. This decision, made on March 21, 2025, reverses a previous stance and has sparked significant debate over immigration enforcement policies in Southwest Florida.

The move comes after intense discussions among council members, who weighed the implications of local involvement in immigration enforcement. Critics argue that such partnerships can lead to racial profiling and undermine community trust in law enforcement. However, proponents, including some local leaders and Governor Ron DeSantis, believe that cooperation with ICE is essential for public safety and immigration control.

Legal opinions on the council's decision vary. A Southwest Florida attorney affirmed that the council's action was within legal bounds, though it remains controversial among residents and advocacy groups. The reinstated agreement between Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) and ICE will see officers trained to identify and detain individuals suspected of immigration violations.

• FMPD
• Fort Myers
• ICE
• Ron DeSantis

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