FORT MYERS, Fla. – Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno praised law enforcement funding, narcotics enforcement, and federal partnerships during an interview on Florida’s Voice Radio on Thursday.
Marceno strongly rejected efforts to “defund the police or ICE,” saying he is “thankful every single morning for President Trump and his staff who want to fund the police, support law enforcement, live for law and order, and that’s what this country is, law and order.”
The sheriff highlighted a recent narcotics arrest in which a 27-year-old man with no prior record was caught with nearly two kilograms of cocaine, along with cash and gold seized through search warrants.
“You kill poison. No matter who you are, no matter if you’ve been arrested or not, you’re going to jail,” he said, framing drug enforcement as life-saving.
Marceno also discussed violent crime in Lee County, including a recent Fort Myers Beach homicide between long-term friends. He noted that last year’s homicides totaled 13, all of which were solved, and added that overall crime remains at record lows. “I’m proud to tell [you] homicides were at 13 last year and 100% solved. Crime’s never been lower,” he told host Drew Steele.
The sheriff expressed strong support for federal immigration enforcement, noting that Lee County ranks third among 67 counties in its cooperation with ICE. “We support ICE to its fullest extent, removing illegals who commit crimes,” he said, citing taxpayer concerns.
He also addressed protests, saying the First Amendment is protected but said he draws a firm line against violent actions targeting officers, “You want to peacefully protest, I understand that, but when you try to attack a law enforcement officer, you’re going to jail, no questions asked,” Marceno said.
SOURCE: FLORIDA’S VOICE, Lee County Sheriff praises law enforcement, ICE partnership, and low crime numbers