Fort Myers Council Blocked ICE Agreement, Florida AG to Investigate

In a recent development in Fort Myers, Florida, the city council's decision to block an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked a legal investigation by Florida's Attorney General. The agreement in question would have allowed local law enforcement to collaborate more closely with ICE on immigration enforcement activities.

The Fort Myers city council voted against the agreement, citing concerns over the potential for racial profiling and the strain on community relations. The decision has drawn criticism from state officials, who argue that such agreements are essential for public safety and the enforcement of immigration laws.

Florida Attorney General, Ashley Moody, announced her intention to investigate the city council's decision, stating that it may contravene state laws that encourage cooperation between local and federal agencies on immigration matters. Moody's office is expected to review the legal grounds on which the council made its decision and determine if there were any violations of state statutes.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between local and state authorities over immigration policy. Cities across the U.S. have been grappling with how to handle immigration enforcement, with some choosing to limit their cooperation with federal agencies like ICE, while others embrace a more collaborative approach.

Residents of Fort Myers and immigration advocates are closely watching the outcome of the Attorney General's investigation, as it could set a precedent for other municipalities in Florida and beyond. The situation underscores the complex interplay of local autonomy, state law, and federal immigration policy.

• Ashley Moody
• Florida
• Fort Myers
• ICE