Rep Byron Donalds calls for removal of Florida city council members who cried while voting against allowing police to work with ICE

Congressman Byron Donalds called for the removal of several Florida city council members on Tuesday after they voted against allowing local authorities to assist ICE with federal immigration enforcement. Fort Myers City Council Members Darla Bonk and Diana Giraldo, both Democrats, broke down in tears while voicing their opposition to the resolution. The agreement would authorize Fort Myers police to question individuals suspected of being in the United States illegally and to process them for immigration violations if they were arrested for a crime.

"The Fort Myers City Council thinks it can flout POTUS, Congress, the Governor, and the State Legislature," Rep. Donalds wrote on X. "Federal law demands illegal aliens are deported. Florida law allows police to be deputized by ICE to assist in deportations. These rogue council members SHOULD BE REMOVED."

During Monday night's council meeting, the city council reached a deadlock 3-3 vote, which resulted in the motion's rejection. Mayor Kevin Anderson and Councilmen Fred Burson and Liston Bochette voted to approve the agreement. Councilwoman Terolyn Watson joined Bonk and Giraldo in voting against it, as reported by Fox 4.

"It is a tumultuous day and age," said Bonk while voting against the motion. She then burst into tears, saying, "This is a day I hate sitting in this seat."

Councilwoman Giraldo shared Bonk's sentiments and told her fellow council members, "I can't stand behind this as an immigrant, the only immigrant sitting in this council." Giraldo also broke down in tears.

Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in on the matter Tuesday morning, explaining that federal and state law enforcement does not need the approval of Fort Myers to assist ICE with federal immigration enforcement.

"Thanks to the laws we've recently enacted in Florida, local entities are required to participate in federal immigration enforcement," DeSantis wrote on X. "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."

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office would be investigating the decision, referring to it as "very troubling."

"The Fort Myers City Council's vote to not approve the police department's 287(g) agreement with ICE is very troubling. Preventing a local law enforcement agency from entering into a 287(g) agreement with the federal government prevents that agency from participating in certain federal immigration operations," the attorney general wrote on X. "These council members actions likely run afoul of Florida Statute, and my office will be investigating."