Three Key Takeaways:
- Three Fort Myers City Council members defied Governor Ron DeSantis and state law by blocking a measure to provide local police with essential ICE training, a move that could jeopardize public safety in the city.
- Governor DeSantis has responded with a warning, threatening significant consequences, including potential fines and suspension from office, as well as the loss of critical state funding for the city.
- Florida continues to take a hard stance on immigration, with DeSantis leading the charge to protect citizens from the dangers posed by illegal aliens, contrasting sharply with the Biden administration’s open borders policies.
The open borders crowd has infiltrated local governments across America.
They’re putting politics above public safety at every opportunity.
And Ron DeSantis just put these rogue city council members on notice after they made this shocking border security decision.
Fort Myers officials defy state law at their own risk
A showdown is brewing in southwest Florida.
Three Fort Myers City Council members have openly defied Governor Ron DeSantis and state law.
During a heated March 17 session that stretched late into the night, the Fort Myers City Council deadlocked 3-3 on a critical vote.
The tie killed a measure that would have allowed the city’s police department to receive crucial ICE training.
This training, part of the federal 287(g) program, gives local officers the tools they need to deal with criminal illegal aliens in their custody.
Governor DeSantis wasted no time responding to this act of defiance.
“Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration — the days of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly,” he declared.
Thanks to the laws we’ve recently enacted in Florida, local entities are required to participate in federal immigration enforcement.
The 287 (g) program trains local law enforcement to aid ICE. Florida will ensure its laws are followed, and when it comes to immigration—the days… https://t.co/drS0JI8FVR
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 18, 2025
His words carried the unmistakable weight of serious consequences to come.
Horrific crimes demonstrate why ICE cooperation is desperately needed
Fort Myers Police Chief Jason Fields laid out a devastating case for why this training is essential for public safety.
He pointed to several shocking crimes committed by illegal aliens right in Fort Myers.
Among the cases he cited: a gruesome incident involving a dismembered body.
He also referenced a separate sexual assault that sent shockwaves through the community.
These aren’t isolated incidents.
They represent the direct threat posed by criminal illegal aliens who shouldn’t be in Florida to begin with.
The council members who voted against public safety tried to hide behind social justice rhetoric.
Councilwoman Terolyn Watson even attempted to draw a misguided parallel between immigration enforcement and historical injustices.
Her comparison falls completely flat when confronted with the reality of violent criminals preying on innocent Floridians.
DeSantis administration launches investigation that could end careers
Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched what insiders describe as a comprehensive investigation.
NEW: Florida AG @JamesUthmeierFL has sent a letter to the Fort Myers, FL city council, after they held hands and cried while not approving an agreement for their police to cooperate with ICE. AG says this decision is a “serious and direct violation of Florida law.” Says decision… https://t.co/ufO64DUFyd pic.twitter.com/6k6m6t8A4k
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) March 18, 2025
The probe will determine whether these council members violated state law with their obstructionist vote.
The consequences facing these defiant officials are severe.
They’re looking at $5,000 daily fines that would quickly drain their personal finances.
Even more seriously, they could face suspension from office by the Governor himself.
Mayor Kevin Anderson didn’t sugarcoat the financial implications for Fort Myers.
The city stands to lose hundreds of millions in state funding.
This money supports essential services and public safety programs that Fort Myers residents depend on.
Even the city’s typically cautious attorney, Grant Alley, acknowledged there would be “consequences” for defying state law.
He carefully avoided specifics, but the writing is on the wall.
Florida leads the nation in actually addressing Biden’s border catastrophe
The Fort Myers rebellion comes as Florida stands at the forefront of actually addressing the border crisis that Joe Biden’s policies have created.
Just last month, DeSantis signed tough new measures to protect Floridians from criminal illegal aliens.
These include mandatory death penalty provisions for illegal aliens convicted of murder or child rape.
The message from Tallahassee couldn’t be clearer.
Florida won’t stand by while local governments prioritize political correctness over public safety.
These council members face a straightforward choice.
They can get in line with state law or face the consequences of their actions.
Rep. Byron Donalds, who represents Fort Myers and has his eyes on the Governor’s mansion, didn’t hesitate to condemn the council’s decision.
His stance highlights the growing divide between America First leaders focused on public safety and local officials who prioritize woke politics over protecting their constituents.
While the Biden administration’s open borders policies flood communities with illegal aliens, Florida stands firm.
Governor DeSantis continues demonstrating the kind of resolute leadership on immigration that’s sorely lacking in Washington.
The rogue council members have been put on notice.
Will they back down and follow the law, or will they face removal from office?
