FORT MYERS, Fla. — Traffic impacts are expected across Fort Myers Wednesday as Florida grassroots organizations hold a march in protest of SB 1718.
The 4-mile march is expected to attract 7,000 people. Road closures will be in place and security will be present.
HAPPENING NOW: SWFL migrant workers are marching through downtown Fort Myers protesting @GovRonDeSantis & FL’s new immigration reform. #SB1718 taking effect on July 1st. @Fox4Now pic.twitter.com/hkwqh6LQ6X
— Nadeen Yanes TV (@nadeenyanes) June 28, 2023
Roughly 400 people have shown up for the March as of 10 a.m. More are expected to join throughout the day.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) will be assisting the Fort Myers Police Department with road closures and security during the anticipated demonstration.
Fox 4 caught a glimpse firsthand at the protest of the pleas of both migrant and migrant advocates to have SB1718 repealed.
Many protesters have gathered signs displaying their stance on the matter some even saying "No human being is illegal."
According to KFF, the migrant population in Florida is as follows:
- 8% of Florida's population are non-citizen migrants
- 37% of agriculture employees are non-citizen migrants
- 23% of construction employees are non-citizen migrants.
Once SB1718 is implemented on Saturday it will have a huge effect not only on the migrant population but jobs in the State of Florida.
HAPPENING NOW: SWFL migrant and migrant workers are marching through Fort Myers today to protest new immigration laws that take effect on Saturday. These signs speak for themselves on the message they hope to send today. @chrisearlSWFL & I will be live all day covering @Fox4Now pic.twitter.com/u0Kbl7VZmR
— Nadeen Yanes TV (@nadeenyanes) June 28, 2023
The march will begin at 10 a.m. at Centennial Park, then head eastbound on First St., continuing onto Palm Beach Blvd., and ending on Miramar Street.
Closures may also affect the Edison Bridges heading into and from North Fort Myers.
Happening later today will be a counter-protest hosted by the Lee County GOP.
The group says it wants to show support for Governor Ron DeSantis.
The GOP's protest will happen at Schanler Park in Fort Myers and will start at 4 p.m. and last until 7 p.m.
