ORLANDO, Fla. — For the second time this week, immigration advocates and leaders with the Orange County Democratic Party condemned an increase in the number of detainees held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Central Florida.

What You Need To Know

Community leaders gathered Wednesday morning at the Orange County Democratic Party office to oppose the current state of immigration enforcement in the region

Speakers at the press conference said they have seen an increase in ICE raids in the region, resulting in more arrests

According to data from Orange County Corrections, as of Wednesday morning the jail had over 350 people under an ICE hold

Another topic of concern raised was the potential for an ICE detention facility at a warehouse in East Orlando

Community leaders and advocates gathered Wednesday morning at the Orange County Democratic Party office to oppose the current state of immigration enforcement in the region.

“What is happening in Orange County is not an isolated incident. It’s not accidental and it’s not acceptable. What we are witnessing is the direct results of brutality and overreach coming from the Trump administration now playing out in our own backyard,” said Jarred Cornell, interim chair of the Orange County Democratic Party.

Speakers at the press conference said they have seen an increase in ICE raids in the region, resulting in more arrests.

“We really want to make sure that we are advocating for justice for people, protecting constitutional rights and ensuring that we’re bringing visibility to the situation and the people that are affected,” Cornell said. “We’re working with community partners all across the county to make sure that we are responding appropriately. But we also want to make sure that everything that we are doing is peaceful and lawful.” 

According to data from Orange County Corrections, as of Wednesday morning the jail had 201 inmates with an ICE hold and local charges. Another 138 inmates had an ICE hold with no local charges, while 24 inmates had both an ICE hold and other agency detainers, with no local charges.

Another topic of concern raised was the potential for an ICE detention facility at a warehouse in East Orlando.

“We completely reject the use of this warehouse to store anything other than goods that it was intended for,” Cornell said.

Although the site mentioned is located within the city of Orlando and not in unincorporated Orange County, Mayor Jerry Demings said in a statement that ICE has not contacted the county about a possible detention center.

“At this time, ICE has not contacted Orange County regarding a possible detention center in Central Florida. We will continue to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement as statutorily required, as a matter of public safety and national security. Any facility proposed here would require transparency, community input, and assurances that laws are enforced with dignity and respect,” Demings said.

In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis reaffirmed that local governments in Florida are cooperating with federal agents on immigration enforcement.

“We’ve shown that cooperation can avoid a lot of the issues that you’re seeing in some other parts of the country. I think you have governors and locals that are trying to thwart. It’s going to create friction. That’s just the reality,” DeSantis said.

Executive Director of Hope Community Center Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet said advocates will continue to stand with immigrants.

“You’re not alone. We are here for you. We’re fighting for you. And we’re not going to stop until you can again live without fear,” he said.

Spectrum News 13 reached out to the Orange County Republican Party for comment. They issued a statement for the story.

“It should be of serious concern to all residents of Orange County when any elected official or community leader takes actions or supports efforts that hinder law enforcement. Recent statements and actions by local Democratic leadership appear to align with advocating for individuals who break the law rather than supporting those who uphold it.

The Republican Party of Orange County stands firmly with our law enforcement professionals and with victims of crime. We support fair, respectful treatment of those who protect our communities and the vigorous prosecution of those who violate our laws.

Central Florida, including Orange County, experiences a disproportionately high volume of human trafficking activity. Far too often, victims — including women and children — are trafficked across state lines or international borders by heartless criminals, and it is law enforcement that leads the rescue and recovery efforts.

Federal, state, and local agencies — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — play a critical role in identifying and dismantling trafficking networks. These operations also require the support of facilities, transportation, and safe housing to ensure that survivors receive the care and resources they need.

If local Democrat leaders were genuinely concerned about the well-being of our tourism and hospitality economy, they would stand with law enforcement and support efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and public safety.

Our Governor and President are charged with enforcing the law. Florida is a state where justice is not negotiable — Orange County should be committed to upholding the rule of law and delivering justice to those who deserve it.

Don’t Minneapolis our Orlando.”