In a move signaling heightened collaboration between federal and local authorities, Orange County has formally updated its agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The addendum, signed by Mayor Jerry Demings on Friday morning, expands the county’s role in immigration enforcement by authorizing deputies to detain and transport individuals arrested on immigration-related charges to ICE-approved detention facilities.
This development comes after sustained pressure from state officials, including Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. In a letter sent earlier in the week, Uthmeier accused Orange County of violating state law by allegedly adopting policies resembling those of a “sanctuary city.” He emphasized that Florida law mandates local governments to make “best efforts” to assist federal immigration authorities.
“Florida law forbids sanctuary policies and requires locals to use “best efforts” to assist with immigration enforcement,” Uthmeier wrote on X. “The Orange County Commission must adopt the ICE Addendum and allow Corrections Officers to transport illegal aliens to approved detention facilities.”
The addendum modifies the county’s existing 287(g) Warrant Service Officer (WSO) agreement with ICE, a program that enables certain local law enforcement officers to perform limited federal immigration enforcement duties. The expanded language now permits deputies not only to detain but also to transport individuals at ICE’s request.
Of particular concern to some community leaders is the potential use of a controversial state-run facility in the Everglades, colloquially referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” as a destination for detainees.
Despite signing the addendum, Orange County officials are continuing discussions with ICE to address operational concerns—specifically the length of time federal immigration detainees are held in the Orange County Jail. Local leaders have expressed a desire to establish limits to prevent prolonged detainment of individuals awaiting federal transfer.
The update follows a June 6 notification by the Florida Sheriffs Association, which alerted sheriff’s offices and county-operated correctional facilities about the ICE addendum and its implications for local enforcement roles.
As the debate continues, Orange County stands at the intersection of federal mandates and state expectations, navigating a complex landscape where immigration policy, public safety, and local governance increasingly overlap.