Listen To Story Above
At a packed Ward 6 meeting on Wednesday, Fort Myers Councilwoman Darla Bonk addressed the controversy surrounding her recent vote against implementing the 287(g) program, which would have enhanced collaboration between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The split 3-3 decision during Monday’s council meeting drew immediate attention from Florida’s top officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, who emphasized that state law now requires local police departments to maintain active agreements with ICE. During the ward meeting, Bonk defended her position, citing numerous unanswered questions about the agreement’s implications.
“The memorandum of understanding as I understood Monday night … was that [Fort Myers police] would become working for ICE, not partnering with ICE. To me, that was a difference. I wanted more answers, so I asked for clarification,” she said.
The Ft. Myers City (FL) Commissioners listed below voted AGAINST cooperating with ICE to remove criminal illegal aliens from Ft. Myers:
> Darla Bonk – [email protected]
> Diana Giraldo – [email protected]
> Terolyn Watson – [email protected]The American People – and… pic.twitter.com/jBrTiH77Qg
— Christian Ziegler 🇺🇸 (@ChrisMZiegler) March 18, 2025
Bonk revealed she had ten outstanding questions about the program, including concerns about the necessity of council approval if the program wasn’t voluntary and the financial burden on local taxpayers. She also expressed worries about protecting officers from potential lawsuits related to Fourth Amendment violations.
When questioned about not seeking answers before the controversial vote, Bonk explained her decision to address these concerns publicly rather than in private meetings, emphasizing the community’s right to hear these discussions.
The vote prompted a stern response from Attorney General Uthmeier, who informed council members that their decision violated Florida law and could result in severe consequences, including removal from office. This investigation marks the first such action since the state’s new anti-illegal immigration laws took effect.
@GovRonDeSantis @AGJamesUthmeier @ByronDonalds gave Fort Myers City Council members backlash for voting against @ICEgov training for local police.
During a community meeting, Darla Bonk, said she's received death threats online. pic.twitter.com/wZDQs687Hr
— Madison Monroe Adams (@madmonroeadams) March 20, 2025
DeSantis weighed in on Tuesday, stating, “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 of inaction are over. Govern yourselves accordingly.”
Bonk maintained her composure regarding the investigation, acknowledging the governor’s authority while standing by her decision. Despite online criticism, the ward meeting attendees largely supported her stance, with many expressing concerns about potential racial profiling of Latinos by police working with ICE.
Local parents raised additional concerns, including worries about school resource officers potentially being deputized for ICE duties. The city council has scheduled a special meeting for Friday to revisit the ICE agreement, though Bonk hasn’t indicated whether she’ll change her position.
