Immigration

Florida lawmakers approved significant new guardrails Friday for the multibillion-dollar emergency fund that Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration used to construct and operate the sprawling immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz."

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened the removal of Mayor Jane Castor for such policies.

Attorney General James Uthmeier called for "immediate reversal" of the policies no later than March 31. After that, he warns, there would be consequences. Mayor Jane Castor said they will review the state's concerns and evaluate the policies.

Former state lawmaker José Javier Rodríguez wants to be Florida’s Attorney General. He faces steep odds in a very red state. On “Live & Local,” he makes his pitch.

Data show more than 20,600 immigration-related arrests in the state after President Trump returned to office. Their nationalities span more than 120 countries, and their ages range from 1 to 89.

On "The Florida Roundup," Eve Samples with Friends of the Everglades discussed the organization's lawsuit against the state for "Alligator Alcatraz" and more.

"Florida Matters Live & Local" sits down with Mayor Ken Welch, examines how immigration verification rules would reshape local services in Manatee County, and explores efforts to restore a historic Tampa landmark.

Last year, the state eliminated a tuition benefit that let students receive in-state tuition, regardless of their immigration status.

Commissioners are expected to consider a plan to update funding agreements with nonprofits in response to a federal law that bars undocumented immigrants from receiving state and local benefits. Nonprofits that don’t comply would lose their county funding.

The Lee County School System completed a review and disciplinary process for the student walkouts that occurred Feb. 4-6. The majority of students got warnings and no credit for class assignments.

The original House proposal limited use of the fund on natural disasters.

Palantir Technologies has been a Wall St. darling as it's grown substantially thanks to its data analytics software used by corporate America and the U.S. government, including ICE. The work has also attracted protests.