Immigration

Since March, deportations ordered by immigration judges in Florida have increased 18 percent, according to recently released data.

A Bonita Springs volunteer initiative called “Adopt an ICE Widow Family” is matching residents with families in need of support.

A man that a local community group said was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement agents Friday has been identified by the Department of Homeland Security.

A food distribution event organized by the SWFL Coalition for Democracy at the New Image Tabernacle Church in North Fort Myers on Friday and Saturday served more than 150 people.

As we approach the country’s 250th anniversary, immigration is top of mind for many people — including Naples artist Mally Khorasantchi. Her large abstract compositions are a personal reaction to something that’s happened to her.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the second highest amount of funds in its proposal – a little over $8 million. About $5 million of the money will be used for communication equipment, including radios. Notably, the county is asking for $600,000 for two Skywatch mobile towers to “enhance situation awareness and support immigration enforcement operations.”

A report in the New York Times said that federal and state officials are considering closing the Everglades detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz. The Associated Press reported that Gov. DeSantis said site always was meant as "temporary."

A new directive from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, issued in secrecy, bars local law enforcement agencies across Florida from answering questions about their role in immigration enforcement, raising concerns about transparency and whether public records are being lawfully observed.

No Kings III events in Southwest Florida make up some of the more than 3,100 rallies and related gatherings across the United States and other parts of the world planned to be held on Saturday.

As the federal government continues its efforts against illegal immigration, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that nearly 1.9 million people have agreed to self-deport this past year.