Orange County commissioners ratify warrant-service agreement with ICE after hours of public comment

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously March 25 to ratify a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that allows Orange County Corrections personnel to participate in ICE’s warrant-service program.

Supporters of the ratification said the county had little legal choice after the Florida Legislature adopted a law requiring all counties to enter the agreements. Dissenting speakers at public comment said the local action will chill immigrant communities and called for stronger transparency and limits.

Why it matters: The agreement formalizes a process in which corrections staff will execute immigration arrest warrants or transfers in the jail — a function county attorneys said differs from the street-level investigative role that sheriff’s deputies might perform under separate agreements. Opponents warned the agreement will expand local enforcement of immigration policy and undermine trust between immigrant residents and law enforcement.

The debate and vote: Assistant County Attorney Scott Chabonel told the commission the statute…