Eyeball scanners, surveillance towers part of $40M immigration grants for local police

DeSantis approved more than $40 million in Florida immigration grants to pay local law enforcement to capture and hold detainees

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

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Florida backs down: DeSantis’ emergency fund can be used on immigration

Uthmeier called the House’s plan to limit spending “moronic” while the governor’s staff suggested the bill’s architects aren’t real Republicans

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

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New bill blocks Florida emergency funds from being used on immigration

Democrats on Monday railed against these expenditures, calling it an “abuse” of public money

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

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Florida’s $406M immigration tab includes private jet flights and a Margaritaville hotel

Now, the Florida House wants to prevent the state’s disaster response agency from using emergency funds on immigration

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

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Bill to ban non-English driver’s tests, penalize employers of undocumented immigrants, moves

A wide-ranging Florida immigration bill focused on driver’s tests and undocumented workers cleared its first House committee

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

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Florida emergency agency spent $405M on immigration in six months

The hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars also covered private jet flights, restaurant meals, and badges

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

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‘Next question’: Donalds brushes off rival Republicans, talks Minneapolis

‘My rivals would all love to be in my position, and they’re not,’ the Trump-endorsed Republican said

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

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All ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ communications must be released to feds, court rules

The Florida agency must release all texts, emails, and other communications about how the migrant center was set up and run

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

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Alex Pretti killing exposes rare GOP rift on immigration — even in Florida

The death has divided conservative leaders even within Florida — the most ICE-friendly state in the nation

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

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Anti-trans bill that could criminalize doctors, counselors advances

Florida providers could face third-degree felony charges and $100,000 in fines

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

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‘I think about Jurassic Park’: DeSantis-backed AI Bill of Rights clears first hurdle

‘There was a message there. … There was a warning about technologies exactly like this’

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

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Immigration bills to watch during Florida’s 2026 session

Quashing illegal immigration remains a headlining agenda item for DeSantis and the Republican-dominated state House and Senate

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

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DeSantis says Citizens Insurance has fewer policyholders, will slash rates

The state’s insurer of last resort has half a million fewer policyholders, he said

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

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Sweeping new legislation targets employers who hire undocumented immigrants

The 34-page bill would presume certain non-citizens are at fault in car accidents, severely restrict their employment, and prevent Florida banks from loaning them money

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

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Florida drivers can’t hold their phones on the road, new bill says

Drivers would not be able to make calls from their phone, hold it, or even rest it on their laps if the bill becomes law

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

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Florida bill would ban public colleges from admitting undocumented students

It also would prevent migrants illegally in the country from participating in state-funded adult general education programs

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

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DeSantis condemns ‘destructive’ Maduro government, announces arrests of 10K non-citizens

DeSantis stayed quiet in the first days following the operation — even though Florida boasts the largest Venezuelan community in the nation

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

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Florida approves cops’ requests for $2M in immigration enforcement money

The money was requested for AI language translators, pepper spray, GPS trackers, handcuffs, bonuses, and more

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

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‘Sadly timed’: New bill would allow professors to open carry on campus

It follows a slate of violent incidents in the past few months, including a shooting spree at Florida State University in April and a shooting at Brown University over the weekend

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 16, 2025December 16, 2025