Gulfport City Council Workshop on 287(g) Agreement - February 26, 2026

The Gulfport City Council held a workshop on February 26, 2026, dedicated to discussing the 287(g) agreement between the Gulfport Police Department (GPD) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting included a presentation by Police Chief Rand, public comments from approximately 25 speakers, and council discussion. No vote or formal action was taken; the workshop was intended to inform the public and address concerns.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Courtney Perkepis (resident): Expressed hope that the council would listen and act, noting the lack of live streaming and calling silence consent to deportation.
• Noah Peretz (Stetson Law student, resident): Asked the council to move to renege on the agreement, arguing immigration enforcement is federal, local resources should stay local, and the agreement erodes trust.
• Richard Freed (resident): Proud second-generation American; implied the chief signed under pressure; later corrected by mayor regarding who signed.
• Maria Augusto (South Pasadena resident): Quoted ICE whistleblower Brian Schwank about deficient training, stating ICE training is "deficient, defective, and broken," and urged withdrawal.
• Matthew Gelvin (resident): Questioned the legal definition of sanctuary city and whether it is a threat or adjudicated; expressed concern about professionalism and referenced Minneapolis.
• Casey McCormick (resident): Expressed full confidence in GPD and support for 287(g), arguing it is wise to align with federal law and not become a sanctuary city.
• Christa Fairbrother (resident): Asked why opting out equals sanctuary city; noted GPD has no jail; questioned necessity of the agreement.
• Ellen Briggs (resident): Opposed 287(g), citing governor overreach.
• Kate Basin (St. Petersburg resident): Former state inspector; opposed, stating ICE lacks community trust and that law enforcement loses trust if they cooperate.
• Karen Goldberg (resident): Supported 287(g) as "lesser of two evils" and trusts GPD.
• Frankie (St. Pete resident): Opposed, noting task force model is harsher; agreement erodes community trust.
• Gina Buscemi (resident): Questioned what would change since zero arrests in a year; urged caution.
• Leo Gonzalez (Tampa, member of Tampa Bay Immigrant Solidarity Network): Opposed; stated immigrant families are scared and that over 70% of arrested immigrants have no criminal record; called the agreement a dragnet.
• Lauren Stern (resident): Noted that public pressure led to the workshop; commented on fear and urged council to revoke.
• Amy Costa (resident): Passionately opposed; referenced historical parallels to Nazi Germany; urged council to stand up for the voiceless.
• Chris Oro (South Pasadena resident): Opposed; cited ICE atrocities and erosion of constitutional rights.
• Rachel Dale (Seminole resident, patron): Expressed fear that people may not patronize businesses or show up to work due to risk of detention.
• Laura Lee Wanger (resident): Opposed; gave example of unequal treatment based on skin color.
• Eliza Sydney (resident): Highlighted health and education impacts; children not showing up to school due to fear.
• Unnamed speaker (St. Pete resident, family connections): Called the agreement shameful and lacking transparency; not required since GPD has no jail.
• Robert Combs (resident): Supported 287(g); argued it helps law enforcement and only affects those breaking law; opposed protecting criminals.
• Mason Morvet (resident): Questioned whether the agreement is truly voluntary given Key West threat; asked about statute requiring "best efforts."
• Town Shores (resident): Did not argue for rescission but called for transparency, citizen rights, and protection; criticized lack of public input before signing.
• E-Comments (read by clerk): Three comments opposed 287(g): Isabel Sousa said it contradicts inclusion; Jeanette Sells cited budget strain after hurricanes; Connie Takic stated training is inadequate and abuses rights.

Discussion Items

• Police Chief Rand’s Presentation: Detailed the 287(g) timeline, state law (Fla. Stat. 908), Pinellas County participation (all 10 PDs and sheriff signed), training (40 hours online, 7 of 33 GPD officers trained, no cost), criteria for immigration inquiry (must be based on conduct, not race), and that GPD has processed zero cases since signing on Feb. 27, 2025. She clarified that ICE will not command GPD officers.
• City Attorney’s Clarifications: Explained Key West case where attorney general threatened sanctuary city designation after attempted withdrawal; stated 287(g) is not mandatory under state law, but sheriff’s pressure was strong; noted that "best efforts" is the standard.
• Councilmember Questions: Vice Mayor asked about cost of officer training (city manager could not provide dollar amount but said no extra cost); asked about warrantless entry authority (city attorney corrected that Florida does not use "bench warrant" for search warrants); discussed liability and future addendums.
• Councilmember Shaw: Asked about funding for task force officers ($7,500 per officer and vehicle costs if assigned); clarified GPD is not on task force. Asked for definition of sanctuary city (city attorney cited Fla. Stat. 908.102). Asked about racial profiling (state law prohibits it).
• Councilmember (unidentified): Expressed that public trust is high in GPD; stated that local police are preferable to ICE; argued that the agreement helps prevent ICE from coming to Gulfport.
• Mayor’s Remarks: Noted the workshop was to answer public questions and address fear; stated she feels Gulfport is safer with the agreement; said she will not kick the sleeping bear; emphasized that she was elected to handle Gulfport issues, not national ones.

Key Outcomes

• No Vote or Decision: The workshop was informational; no motion or resolution was made. The mayor stated that the purpose was to "answer the public's comments and try and resolve some fear." The meeting adjourned without a directive.
• Requests: Councilmember Shaw asked that any future addendums to the agreement come before the council with legal options. City attorney offered to prepare a memo on citizens' rights.
• Public Sentiment: Majority of speakers opposed the 287(g) agreement; a few supported it. The council acknowledged the concerns but did not signal an intent to rescind.