Motorcyclist Narrowly Misses ICE Protesters in South Fort Myers

Demonstration on US-41 prompts warnings for vigilance from organizers after close call.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A motorcyclist sped dangerously close to protesters during a demonstration on U.S. 41 in south Fort Myers, narrowly missing the demonstrators. The incident prompted warnings from organizers to stay vigilant, though the Presidents Day protest continued with a couple hundred people in attendance.

Why it matters

Protests along highways and busy roads can pose safety risks, and this close call highlights the need for both demonstrators and drivers to exercise caution. The incident also underscores ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and political divisions in the region.

The details

Protesters were standing along the edge of U.S. 41 near Daniels Parkway when a motorcyclist sped through the area, crossing the white line and narrowly missing the demonstrators. One protester described it as a "near-death experience" while another said the motorcyclist came "pretty close" and found it "threatening." Organizers warned people to stay vigilant, with the Lee County Democratic Party chairman saying such incidents are "extremely rare."

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026 during the Presidents Day protest.

The players

Mike

A protester from The Landings who described the motorcyclist incident as a "near-death experience."

Cory Andrews

A demonstrator who said the motorcyclist came "pretty close" and found it "threatening."

Jim Rosinus

The chairman of the Lee County Democratic Party who warned people to stay vigilant.

Nehemie Fluerent

A protester who said they felt the Presidents Day protest was "a perfect day because we do not stand with President Trump."

Dor

A former police officer of 27 years who was protesting the ICE raids, saying "I know the right way to do things, and this is not."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That was the first near-death experience I've seen at a protest.”

— Mike, Protester from The Landings (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

“He did come pretty close, and that's threatening.”

— Cory Andrews, Demonstrator (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

“We want people to keep their eyes open. Things like that are extremely rare.”

— Jim Rosinus, Chairman, Lee County Democratic Party (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

“I feel like today is a perfect day because we do not stand with President Trump.”

— Nehemie Fluerent, Protester (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

“I was a police officer for 27 years, and I know the right way to do things, and this is not.”

— Dor, Protester (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

What’s next

Organizers and local authorities will likely review the incident and consider measures to improve safety at future demonstrations on busy roadways.

The takeaway

This close call underscores the need for both protesters and drivers to exercise extreme caution when demonstrations take place near high-traffic areas. Organizers will need to prioritize safety while also protecting the right to peacefully assemble and voice political views.