Trump’s immigration agenda sows fear among Central Florida tourism workers

About one-third of the nation’s hospitality industry workforce — in hotels, airports, restaurants and theme parks — are immigrants.

by McKenna Schueler February 26, 2026February 27, 2026

News

Trump administration won’t pay for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ construction costs, DOJ says

A $608 million federal reimbursement won’t cover construction costs — if the money comes through at all

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

Immigration

Demings gives feds more time to renegotiate reimbursement for ICE detention costs

Federal officials requested the county extend their deadline for negotiations after Demings threatened to potentially cancel their agreement allowing the local jail to serve as a temporary detention center.

by McKenna Schueler February 24, 2026February 25, 2026

News

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

News

Florida to give $50M to local law agencies for immigration enforcement

About half of those funds are being allocated to only one county.

by News Service of Florida February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

News

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

Immigration

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings threatens to cancel agreement with ICE over costs

Demings sent a letter to the feds expressing concern about how much it’s costing local taxpayers to house people detained by ICE in the Orange County Jail

by McKenna Schueler February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

News

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

News

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

Orlando Area News

Orange County officials consider resolution symbolically opposing ICE facility

After hours of discussion and a fiery public comment period, county leaders ultimately delayed any formal action.

by McKenna Schueler February 13, 2026February 16, 2026

News

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

News

Reps. Maxwell Frost, Darren Soto tell Kristi Noem not to open ICE facility in Orlando

Reports of ICE opening a processing center in Orlando have emerged in recent weeks, with a reported cost of nearly $100M

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 7, 2026February 7, 2026

Protesters gather for anti-ICE protest outside Orlando City Hall

News

Central Florida advocates launch ‘No ICE in our streets’ online petition drive

Petitions will be automatically filed with the signer’s local, state and federal representatives

by McKenna Schueler February 3, 2026February 9, 2026

News

Florida universities move closer to yearlong freeze on H-1B visas

The vote comes at the urging of Gov. Ron DeSantis

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix January 30, 2026January 30, 2026

News

Florida homeowner Bruce Springsteen releases anti-ICE song

The song slams “King Trump’s private army” and venerates the observers and demonstrators who “stood for justice, their voices ringing through the night.”