OCPS enrollment drops could affect budget
Orange County Public Schools has seen declining enrollment for years now. This year, they say thousands of students are again missing, and about half of the students come from immigrant families. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie explains why some parents say they're scared to send their child to school.
'Alligator Alcatraz': Federal court allows detention center to stay open during appeal
A federal appeals court has paused a judge’s order that would have shut down Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center facility in the Florida Everglades.
DeSantis says 'Alligator Alcatraz' is open and operational
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis answered questions from reporters on Tuesday in Orlando. DeSantis touched on Florida's immigration detention facility named "Alligator Alcatraz," saying the center is running, and deportations are continuing. A federal court hearing concerning the legal rights of detainees at the immigration facility is set for Thursday.
Undocumented immigrant arrested in Florida by ICE following murder conviction
An undocumented immigrant convicted of murder has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers following his release earlier this month from the Florida Department of Corrections.
Federal agent injured in Florida during arrest of man in U.S. illegally, Polk sheriff says
A federal immigration agent was injured Tuesday in Polk County while attempting to arrest a man accused of entering the country illegally, authorities said.
Harjinder Singh: Florida Turnpike deadly crash sparks arrests of undocumented immigrants across U.S.
Authorities in different parts of the country have announced the arrests of multiple illegal immigrants accused of fatally striking drivers, pedestrians and even a teen on a bicycle in recent days, according to authorities and local reports.
New Florida immigration enforcement initiative
Attorney General James Uthmeier hosted a press conference with several other officials on Monday morning in Live Oak, Florida. During the event, the officials announced a new immigration enforcement initiative.
Battle over the future of 'Alligator Alcatraz'
The legal battle over the future of the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention facility in Florida is continuing. Proponents have framed the facility as a low-cost, temporary solution to crack down on illegal immigration and manage the volume of detainees. However, environmental groups argue that the facility's location in the Everglades and rushed construction violate federal environmental laws and could harm the environment, including endangered species. Dr. Larry Walker, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, joins Good Day Orlando to discuss what comes next.
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ fight: DeSantis vows to appeal judge's order to scale back Everglades immigrant-detention center
Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing ahead with plans for a controversial immigrant-detention center in the Everglades despite a federal judge’s order to begin dismantling parts of the facility.
Rep. Frost speaks out against 'Alligator Alcatraz'
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost held a press conference outside the Everglades detention center in Florida dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” ahead of a state-approved tour of the facility. The press conference comes as a recent court ruling has partially dismissed a lawsuit over detainees’ access to legal counsel and basic constitutional rights. The case has now been transferred to the Middle District of Florida.
Judge could decide to close 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility
Another ruling could come on "Alligator Alcatraz's" operations on Wednesday. A judge will decide whether to temporarily shut down the controversial immigration detention center facility located in South Florida.
Top 4 news stories you need to know: August 19, 2025
FOX 35's John Brown and Garrett Wymer break down the top news stories of the day, from a planned extradition hearing for an illegal migrant semi-truck driver accused of making an illegal u-turn that caused a deadly crash killing 3 people on the Florida Turnpike, the Manatee County Sheriff showing video of the last moments Giovanni Pelletier was seen before his disappearance and resulting death, a running trail sexual assault suspect in custody in Seminole County and an SUV plowing through a window and into influencers recording themselves eating at a Texas restaurant.
DeSantis talks deadly semi track on Florida Turnpike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke on Tuesday morning at Voyager K-8 in St. Cloud. Before he began speaking on his topic for the day, he touched upon Harjinder Singh, who will have a potential extradition hearing on Tuesday afternoon to be brought to Florida to face three vehicular manslaughter charges.
Florida opens Deportation Depot amid legal concerns
Florida's new immigration detention facility Deportation Depot is scheduled to open in North Florida in the next few weeks to expand Florida's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants and allow the Governor Ron DeSantis administration to continue supporting President Donald Trump's illegal immigration enforcement and mass deportation policies. Legal questions surround Deportation Depot and Alligator Alcatraz, the Everglades immigration detention camp in South Florida regarding the state's authority to detain federal immigration detainees and recent changes to the state partnerships with ICE and Border Patrol, as well as blurred lines between whether the immigration detention facilities are the responsibility of state or federal officials. Elizabeth Ricci, immigration attorney and FSU adjunct professor joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down these legal questions, where the multiple lawsuits against Alligator Alcatraz may end up and that litigation's potential impacts on Deportation Depot and other immigration detention facilities across Florida and the United States.
DeSantis announces second Florida immigration detention facility 'Deportation Depot'
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his plans to expand the state's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants through a new “Deportation Depot."
DeSantis announces plans for Florida immigration detention expansion
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his plans to expand the state's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants through a new "Deportation Depot." DeSantis said he's confident Florida needs additional capacity to host undocumented immigrants in addition to "Alligator Alcatraz" in South Florida. The new "Deportation Depot" will be able to hold more than 1,300 detainees with the same services offered as Alligator Alcatraz.
FDLE Orlando arrests undocumented immigrant, wanted 'felon and fugitive': officials
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Orlando recently assisted in arresting an undocumented immigrant who officials say is a wanted “aggravated felon and fugitive."
Alligator Alcatraz: Future construction stopped for 14 days at Florida ICE facility over environmental issues
A federal judge has halted – at least, temporarily – future construction projects at Alligator Alcatraz, the immigration detention facility built at a former airport in the middle of the Florida Everglades, according to the Associated Press.
Alligator Alcatraz environmental lawsuit: Testimony offered by State Rep. Anna Eskamani
An Orlando-area state representative testified Wednesday in a federal lawsuit that could shut down a controversial aviation site in the heart of the Florida Everglades, known by critics as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Orange County ratifies ICE addendum 5-2
Orange County commissioners voted Tuesday on a new agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transport detainees to "Alligator Alcatraz," an immigration detention facility in the Everglades. After several hours of discussion and public comment, commissioners voted 5-2 to ratify the agreement. The dissenting votes came from District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and District 5 Commissioner Kelly Semrad.