On January 19, 2026, local leaders in Orlando expressed strong opposition to the potential establishment of an ICE detention center in the area. This backlash follows the emergence of a leaked memo from ICE stating that the agency is evaluating warehouses across the country, including a site in Orlando, for use as a detention facility.
The proposed location is a privately-owned warehouse located 10 miles east of Orlando International Airport, situated in a corporate park. Concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of this site for a detention facility, with local officials arguing that it lacks the necessary infrastructure and facilities to accommodate detainees humanely.
Florida Representatives Maxwell Frost and Anna Eskamani held a press conference to rally community response against the facility, stating that such a center would worsen existing social anxieties and trauma among local communities. Eskamani termed ICE's operations as "operating in the shadows," emphasizing the lack of transparency and proper communication from federal and state governments.
As community leaders voiced their concerns, they highlighted the logistical challenges of the proposed site, including its proximity to corporate entities and the lack of waste disposal systems that would be essential for a facility housing human beings. County Commissioner Nicole Wilson criticized the plan, stating, "This wasn't built for human beings to be located in."
As tensions mounted, online listings related to the property experienced unusual activities, including rumored "rickrolls" that seemingly added a layer of satirical commentary to the ongoing debate. Some local residents reportedly removed their listings from property databases in protest against the potential sale, suggesting a strong grassroots opposition.
While Governor Ron DeSantis has yet to confirm the specific Orlando site for an ICE facility, he has hinted at plans for expanding ICE detention capacities throughout Florida. His proposals include potential facilities in other areas, emphasizing a goal to enhance operational capabilities for DHS in handling undocumented immigrants.
This proposed facility's location could become the first ICE detention center in Central Florida, while all current facilities are located in South Florida. The impending decision has left the community divided, with strong calls for local government scrutiny of ICE's proposals and a robust push for transparency in future developments.
Local activists and lawmakers are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard as the situation evolves, reflecting broader national debates over immigration and detention policies.