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Dozens urge Orange County to track ICE detainees; commissioners say county will seek legal/operational updates
Summary
Twenty-eight speakers urged the Board of County Commissioners to guarantee due process and tracking for immigrants detained by ICE in the Orange County jail; the board discussed federal limits on disclosure, ongoing internal monitoring, and directed staff to return with updates and any feasible local actions.
During the public comment period June 6, 28 speakers addressed the Board of County Commissioners, most urging that the county guarantee and track the whereabouts and due process of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while in the Orange County jail system.
Speakers included students, faith leaders, immigrants, community organizers and union representatives. Common concerns were that people flagged by ICE “disappear” from local records, families are unable to find detainees, and detainees sometimes lack access to counsel or notification that family can use to locate them. Several speakers said people detained included long‑term residents, parents and workers rather than dangerous criminals.
Representative public commenters included Aliyah Noemi (UCF student, immigrant rights advocate), Isaiah Marck (United Local 737 hospitality worker representative), Paul Heroux (resident and longtime Orange County resident), Sister Anne Kendrick (immigrant and farmworker advocate), and community members who said they had supported neighbors or family members detained by ICE. A number of speakers asked the commission to alter local contracts or practices to require notification and tracking of federal detainees while they are in county custody.
Mayor Jerry Demings and county staff responded at length. Mayor Demings acknowledged the concerns and said federal immigration enforcement is a federal matter but told the public that persons who are in local custody receive health and welfare services and that federal rules can limit disclosure. He said detainees usually remain in county custody for 24–48 hours and that due process for immigration matters occurs in the federal system.
Commissioners acknowledged the calls and described prior and continuing actions. Commissioners said they have received regular briefings from jail leadership and the sheriff’s office. Commissioner Scott said county leaders “hear you” and encouraged continued advocacy in Washington, noting he had discussed the issue with federal legislators. Commissioner Martina Simrad said the county had toured the jail, raised concerns about specific case handling, and requested the matter be brought back to the board for further discussion. Commissioner Wilson and Commissioner Uribe said they have been receiving calls from constituents and that county staff and corrections are in regular contact with families and legal service providers.
County officials noted limits on disclosure and said some of the procedural details are controlled by federal authorities. County staff agreed to review current contract language and processes; legal counsel said an official answer about specific contractual authority would require a follow-up briefing because the county attorney who handles corrections was not present in the meeting.
No formal board action or policy change was taken at the June 6 meeting. Commissioners asked staff to update the board when new information is available and to return with a staff briefing and any legally available options for improving transparency and tracking while complying with state and federal law.
