Florida and Orange County officials raise alarms over possible ICE detention facility at East Orlando warehouse

Federal officials confirm early-stage site review

Federal immigration officials are exploring a vacant industrial warehouse in East Orange County as a potential new detention facility, prompting immediate pushback from local and state leaders and renewed scrutiny over detention capacity in Central Florida.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that agency representatives toured an industrial warehouse at 8660 Transport Drive in Orange County on Friday, describing the visit as exploratory and saying no contract has been signed. ICE officials also said they could not provide details on potential capacity or a timeline for opening.

Public concerns focus on land use, oversight and local impacts

At a press conference in Orlando, elected officials and immigration advocates said they were alarmed by the prospect of converting a commercial warehouse in an industrial park into a detention operation. Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the location under discussion is not currently permitted for detention-related use under existing land-use rules, and she urged nearby businesses to oppose the project through local regulatory channels.

Speakers also tied the potential facility to broader enforcement activity across Central Florida. Organizers displayed a map they said reflects a recent surge in immigration enforcement operations in the region. Advocates described an increase in family separations and difficulties locating detained relatives in the system.

Commissioners and advocates said the proposal would add pressure to local corrections and deepen community uncertainty over expanding immigration detention capacity in Florida.

Orange County jail data shows sharp growth among detainees with ICE detainers

County leaders pointed to a steep rise in the number of people held in the Orange County jail on immigration-related holds. A recent analysis of county corrections data showed a sharp year-over-year increase in the average daily population of individuals with ICE detainers and no local criminal charges, growing from single digits in late 2024 to more than 90 by the end of 2025.

Separately, county reporting has shown that between November 2024 and November 2025, the average daily population of inmates with ICE detainers increased substantially, adding operational and financial strain to a jail system already managing staffing constraints and overtime.

Officials split on whether added detention capacity is necessary

The debate has also exposed divisions among Florida leaders. State Rep. Randy Fine publicly backed the concept of a local ICE detention facility, while Democratic elected officials and several community organizations urged opposition and called for transparency about any prospective agreements, operating authority and compliance requirements.

The potential Orange County site comes as Florida expands immigration detention capacity elsewhere in the state, including controversial facilities that have drawn lawsuits and public attention. Any new detention center in Central Florida would likely raise immediate questions about permitting, contracting, detainee access to counsel, and oversight responsibilities among federal, state and local agencies.

• ICE has characterized the Orange County warehouse tour as an early, exploratory step.
• Local officials have signaled potential land-use and operational concerns if the site is pursued.
• Corrections data cited by county leaders indicates a significant rise in detainees held on ICE detainers without local charges.