Ron DeSantis

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.

FOX 35's John Brown and Garrett Wymer break down the top stories of the day, from Florida's Deportation Depot immigration detention facility in North Florida, the state attorney's office deciding not to press charges in the viral arrest of William McNeil in Jacksonville, 3 OUC employees injured in a substation incident in Downtown Orlando and a boat driver sentenced to jail for a Christmas boat parade crash.

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.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Wednesday morning in Tampa. DeSantis was joined by newly appointed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. At the event, DeSantis awarded law enforcement recruitment bonuses. The governor touted Florida?s recruitment of law enforcement officers from across the country, saying 8,700 bonuses have now been given out through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed State Senator Jay Collins, a Republican formerly representing the Tampa Bay area as the next Lieutenant Governor, replacing Jeanette Nunez who left to become the President of FIU (Florida International University.) POLITICO Reporter Gary Fineout joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down the political ramifications of Collins' appointment and the potential for a head-to-head matchup with Trump-endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds and prominent attorney John Morgan for Florida Governor in 2026.

The Republican Party of Florida hosted its Florida Freedom Forum on Saturday in Orlando. The annual fundraiser event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The forum includes a multitude of events and features speeches from top speakers throughout the day. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was one of the many to share remarks at the event.

The Republican Party of Florida is hosting its Florida Freedom Forum on Saturday in Orlando. The annual fundraiser event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The forum includes a multitude of events and features speeches from top speakers throughout the day. During Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' speech, several protestors were heard sharing their distaste for DeSantis' words.

The State of Florida is now sharing some of its emergency procedures at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center. FOX 35's Manny Martinez shares new documents released that show a heavily redacted emergency plan.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said at a news conference on Friday afternoon that he signed a new ICE agreement earlier this morning after pressure from the state. Earlier this month, Demings stated that the county would not participate in long-distance detainee transports, citing a shortage of correctional staff and budget constraints. That position has now escalated into a political standoff with the state, drawing scrutiny from both the attorney general and the governor.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held an education roundtable discussion on Wednesday morning in Tampa. DeSantis was joined by Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held an education roundtable discussion on Wednesday morning in Tampa. He was joined by Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. At the event, DeSantis announced that teacher vacancies in the state are down 17.7% in the 2025-2026 school year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is considering calling a special session to redraw the congressional districts in the Sunshine State. Florida currently has 28 congressional districts, and more could be on the way.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke Friday morning at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in the Everglades. DeSantis provided an update on deportation flights now operating from the facility?s on-site runway, highlighting its role in accelerating the removal of detainees. FOX 35's Marie Edinger breaks down what was discussed.