ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County Democratic Party is speaking out against ICE in Central Florida. The organization hosted a press conference Wednesday morning in Downtown Orlando asking residents to speak out against the current administration. Republicans, though, are encouraging ICE to continue doing its job.
“The happiest place in the world has turned in to show me your papers city,” said on of the Democratic Party leaders.
Within the last week, the Orange County Democratic Party said there have been confirmed reports of ICE seeking warehouse space in Orlando. Democratic leaders said there have also been confirmed reports of up to 200 hotel rooms booked by ICE in and around Orange County.
Leaders gathered on Wednesday to speak out against those moves and to say ICE is making residents live in fear.
“A person was taken, we don’t know where they are, is that the country we want to build?” another Democratic leader voiced.
Governor Ron DeSantis said ICE is simply doing the job it’s asked to do. He said its partnership in Florida is the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history.
In the wake of those operations, democratic speakers said they want Central Floridians to be informed, prepared, and knowledgeable about their rights, and that these implications will extend far beyond just immigrants.
“The price will be at the grocery store, when we need a roof fixed after a hurricane,” another Democratic leader said.
DeSantis said he is proud of ICE’s work and said the mission will continue in the state.
In addition to the Governor, Channel 9 has reached out to multiple Republican leaders and the Orange County GOP.
Republican Representative Byron Donalds responded, saying, “What Democrats are doing to obstruct, impede, and sabotage ICE is treasonous. The American people granted President Trump a mandate to deport illegal aliens and Make America Safe Again. As Governor, any Florida official who blocks these lawful actions will be removed from office.”
We also received a lengthy statement from the Orange County GOP:
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.
— Orange County GOP
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
