Mayor Meyers Mayor Kevin Anderson said he was “disappointed” and “embarrassing” after the city council meeting went viral.
“It was a bit embarrassing,” Anderson said. Fox 35 on wednesday. “Because when we sit on day, when we get more emotional than things, we don't always make the best decisions. We need to be strong, and we need to use facts, truths and information to make our decisions, not feelings of emotion.”
The memorandum of consent allows city law enforcement agencies to receive training and authority to act as ice agents to detain and arrest illegal immigrants, among other functions.
One council member was not present on Monday, failing to win 3-3 votes. Council members Darla Bonk and Diana Girald shed tears when they expressed their opposition.
Some Fort Myers City Council members shouted about memorandums about city officials who work with Ice Agents. (Fort Myers City website)
Tom Homan gives a bold message to the sanctuary city “slowly on the ice” and warns them that they “continue coming.”
“It's a turbulent day and age, and this is a day I hate being in this seat,” Bonk said. “But my town is not for sale.”
“I can't stand behind this as the only immigrant sitting on this council,” Giroud said.
During the meeting, Anderson defended the memorandum, which would not give officers the power to go out in search of illegal immigrants, “kicking the door,” but he emphasized his ability to arrest and dispose of illegal immigrants who have been charged or convicted of a crime.
Florida Attorney General James Usmieyer responded with a letter requesting the city council to change its position or endanger civil or criminal penalties for being a sanctuary city.
“The Sanctuary policy is illegal in Florida. Last night's vote will be a Sanctuary city. Please resolve this issue or face consequences,” Uthmeier wrote Tuesday along with a copy of his letter.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also responded to the vote in his X-post on Tuesday.
“Thanks to recent laws in Florida, local entities must participate in federal immigration enforcement. The 287(g) program trains local law enforcement agencies to support the ice. Florida ensures that they follow the law.
Uthmeier said in a local interview that the penalty could include removal from duties.
“If I had worn the shoes of someone who voted against it, I would be very worried now,” Anderson told Fox35.
He understands Usmeyer's complaints, but added that Fort Myers is “not a sanctuary,” and that despite the issues, he takes public safety very seriously.
“I was very disappointed and embarrassed by our city,” he said of the vote.
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Mayor Kevin Anderson defended the memorandum, saying it would focus primarily on illegal immigrants who committed crimes. (Fox 35 screenshot)
But with state and national attention in Congress, Anderson said he was “confident” after an emergency meeting was held on Friday and crossed the memorandum again.
The meeting is expected to include additional councillors who are not present at the original meeting and are unable to vote.
However, he said he learned after years in public office that he “don't know how the council will go.”
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