Orange County Mayor Demings Signs ICE Transport Addendum Amid State Legal Pressure

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has signed an addendum to the county's 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing local corrections officers to transport immigration detainees to ICE-approved facilities. This decision follows a public dispute with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who pressured the county to sign the addendum and threatened legal consequences and removal from office for noncompliance, labeling Orange County a "sanctuary county." Demings resisted initially, citing concerns about the financial burden on the county, as the federal reimbursement of $88 per inmate per day falls short of the actual $145 daily cost, and criticized the state for using bullying tactics. The addendum expands local law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement while outlining civil rights protections and responsibilities under the program. The agreement is scheduled for review and vote by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on August 5. This development reflects ongoing tensions between local officials and state authorities over immigration enforcement policies in Florida.