The City of North Port in Southwest Florida is considering entering into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce immigration laws. The agreement, known as the 287(g) program, would allow police officers to assist federal immigration authorities in tasks such as interrogating suspected undocumented immigrants and issuing ICE detainers.
North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison expressed his support for the program and plans to bring it before the city commission for a vote. The issue has sparked debate in Southwest Florida, with Fort Myers voting down the agreement, while Punta Gorda approved it unanimously. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the need for local governments to comply with state law regarding immigration enforcement.
Mayor Phil Stokes stated that North Port will follow the law, indicating a willingness to cooperate with ICE if the agreement is approved. Garrison has not set a specific date for the vote but hopes to bring it to the city commission soon, possibly at the next meeting on April 4.
The decision to enter into an agreement with ICE has divided communities in Southwest Florida, with supporters arguing for stricter immigration enforcement and critics raising concerns about potential civil rights violations. The outcome of the vote in North Port will have significant implications for how the city handles immigration enforcement moving forward.
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