Maxwell Frost

Congressman Maxwell Frost Calls Out Governor DeSantis’ Illegal Maps | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Rep. Frost opposes the congressional redistricting map passed by the Florida Legislature, arguing it violates Florida's Fair Districts Amendment and constitutes an illegal gerrymander designed to benefit House Republicans.

ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement criticizing the illegal gerrymander pushed by Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans to help them win more seats in the Congress. In a statement, Rep. Frost says: “Today the Florida Legislature passed a congressional map that violates Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and is designed to give House Republicans additional seats in the upcoming election. For Governor DeSantis, this is about winning elections, not the census or complying with Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment. Any redistricting plan should follow the law, and this map clearly violates both the letter and the intent of the law. This map is clearly illegal, and even a packed court like Florida’s will have to recognize that and ultimately strike it down.”

On Earth Day, a New Generation Rises: Congressman Maxwell Frost Unveils Youth Climate Leadership Act to Put Young Voices at the Forefront of the Climate Fight | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Congressman Frost supports legislation to establish youth advisory councils within federal environmental agencies to ensure young people have a direct role in shaping climate and environmental policy decisions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) re-introduced a bill in the House of Representatives, the Youth Climate Leadership Act, legislation that would cement the existence of youth advisory councils within the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce with respect to environmental issues relating to youth communities and communities across the country. On Earth Day, as the Trump administration rolls back environmental protections and doubles down on fossil fuel expansion, Congressman Maxwell Frost is introducing the Youth Climate Leadership Act to move the country in a different direction, one that puts young people at the center of climate solutions and safeguards our planet for future generations. Under President Biden, the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) was created to allow qualified young leaders to provide advice and recommendations directly to the EPA Administrator. This council has ensured that the next generation of Americans have a seat at the table when it comes to the climate issues we are facing by positioning the U.S. as a global leader in protecting our environment. The Youth Climate Leadership Act has also been re-introduced in the Senate by Ed Markey (D-MA). Frost’s introduction now means that both the Senate and the House could act swiftly to pass the legislation and pass it along to the President with hopes that he can sign it into law. “Young people have the most at stake in the climate crisis, yet for too long they’ve been left out of the decisions shaping their future,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “The Youth Climate Leadership Act is about changing that, ensuring young people have a real seat at the table and a direct role in shaping the policies that will define their future. At a time when federal leadership is rolling back climate progress, we cannot afford to leave young voices behind. We must act now to protect the progress we’ve made and empower the next generation to lead in building a safer, more sustainable future.” “Young people have the most to lose from climate change—they deserve to be at the table as we work to deliver federal climate action,” said Senator Markey. “The Youth Climate Leadership Act would put young people inside the rooms where decisions are made that affect their future and the future of our planet.” "We appreciate Rep. Frost’s leadership introducing legislation to make sure young people have a seat at the table in federal environmental decisions that will affect their future. We will continue fighting alongside climate champions like the Congressman to reinforce our democratic processes and a safeguard a livable climate,” said Matthew Davis, Vice President of Federal Policy of League of Conservation Voters. “At Latino Outdoors, we believe that young people's voices matter. They are undeniable stakeholders in the future of our environment and society,” said Luis Villa, Executive Director of Latino Outdoors. “It behooves us to make ample room for their perspectives, hopes, and dreams. We are grateful to Congressman Frost for proposing legislation that does exactly that and are proud to support the Youth Climate Leadership Act.” “We must uplift youth voices in climate policy. Engaging young people gives them valuable experience as the next generation of decisionmakers, especially since these policies will directly shape their futures. We’ve already seen the ambition and determination of young climate activists, and they continue to deserve a meaningful role in determining what their future looks like. This bill is a strong step toward investing in the nation’s future and recognizing the vital role youth can play in shaping climate policy,” said Jackie Ostfeld, director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors For All campaign. “We have too often delayed meaningful action on the climate crisis, leaving younger generations to face escalating wildfires, rising sea levels, and increasing costs for food, housing, and insurance driven by a warming world, so this bill is a major step forward,” said Camden Weber, senior climate and energy policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Trump administration is trying to return our country to an era of fossil-fuel industry dominance, rolling back clean energy progress and weakening climate safeguards. Trump won’t live to see the full consequences of these short-sighted decisions, but younger people will suffer their full brunt. Rep. Frost's leadership on the Youth Climate Leadership Act helps to right this wrong by centering those most vulnerable to the climate crisis and empowering the next generation of climate leaders to meet this moment." The Youth Climate Leadership Act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and Interior, as well as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish Youth Advisory Councils made up of young people between the ages of 16 and 29 from differing locations and backgrounds for the purpose of providing recommendations regarding environmental issues as they relate to youth, including: Recommendations regarding programs to help local governments address environmental issues in disadvantaged communities; Recommendations regarding performance measures to quantify the impact of climate change and other environmental harms that affect youth communities; and Researching, writing reports on, and making recommendations with a focus on environmental justice, climate change mitigation and resilience, and pollution reduction. The bill provides $250,000 annually for ten years to each agency for the purposes of operating the Youth Advisory Councils, for total annual funding of $1.25 million. The legislation has also been endorsed by Moms Clean Air Force, Earthjustice, and Environmental Defense Fund.

BREAKING: Frost’s Discharge Petition To Extend TPS for Haitians Passes U.S. House | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Rep. Frost supports extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, arguing that TPS holders contribute to their communities and should be protected from deportation to unsafe conditions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced that his bipartisan discharge petition to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the United States, co-led with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), has passed the House of Representatives. The bill now moves to the Senate. Florida is home to the largest population of people of Haitian heritage in the United States and includes nearly half of all Haitian TPS holders in the United States. “This is a major step forward for countless Haitian families in Florida and across the country who have been living in fear and uncertainty,” said Rep. Frost. “As we continue to see dangerous anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies that tear families apart from the Trump Administration, this bill moving forward in the House provides a path forward for Haitians with TPS and helps prevent them from being sent back into the chaos they were forced to flee. It’s also about recognizing the dignity and humanity of Haitian migrants, and the undeniable truth that they are part of our communities and contribute every day to our economy, our culture, and our country.” “But our work is far from over. The Senate must act with urgency to ensure our Haitian neighbors and families receive the protections they deserve.”

Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on Pam Bondi Firing | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement in response to Pam Bondi being fired. In a statement, Rep. Frost says: “I have been calling for Pam Bondi to be impeached or fired, and I’m glad that has now happened. Her blatant disregard for the Constitution and her role in the continued cover-up of the Epstein files was and is despicable. For months, my office has been working to uncover this administration’s handling of the Epstein files, reviewing how records were managed, what was withheld, and how information was presented to the public. That work has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability, and it is ongoing. Pam Bondi has not testified under oath about her role in these decisions. That testimony is scheduled for April 14, and it needs to happen. Her removal from office does not change her legal obligations. The subpoena remains valid, and the American people deserve answers. This investigation is about getting those answers for the survivors who are still waiting. I will continue to pursue the facts and ensure this process moves forward.”

Congressman Frost Leads Fight Against Wall Street to Defend Affordable Housing Communities | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Rep. Frost supports legislation to help manufactured home residents purchase and own their communities, increase federal funding for states that support resident ownership, and provide down-payment assistance to counter institutional investor acquisition of manufactured home parks.

Watch the full press conference HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Maxwell Frost has introduced the Promoting Residential Ownership of (PRO) Manufactured Home Communities Act, legislation to promote affordable housing and fight back against profiteering Wall Street investors by helping residents purchase and own their parks. This introduction follows a press conference, held Friday, in Florida at the former site of Lake Downey Mobile Home Park alongside Florida State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis, Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, and housing advocates where Rep. Frost highlighted the urgent need to protect manufactured housing residents from greed-driven skyrocketing costs, hostile eviction, and unlivable conditions. There are over seven million occupied manufactured homes in the United States. Many of the residents who occupy these communities are older than 55, veterans, and on fixed incomes. In recent years, institutional investors have rapidly expanded their ownership of manufactured home parks, 25% of all units in the United States. They are raising rents and fees while reducing maintenance and services. Florida has the most private equity owned parks in the nation. The PRO Manufactured Home Communities Act incentivizes states like Florida to adopt and strengthen “opportunity to purchase” policies that go beyond existing laws. It increases Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for states and localities that do enough to support resident ownership and helps pay for downpayment assistance. “Manufactured housing should be an opportunity for affordable homeownership, not a profit center for Wall Street,” said Rep. Frost. “To tackle the housing affordability crisis facing the nation, we must combat institutional investors having the upper hand in bidding for property. This bill gives manufactured home residents a fair shot to own their communities which will prevent eviction and keep costs low.” “Ensuring residents have a real opportunity to purchase their manufactured housing community is one of the most powerful tools available to protect low-income homeowners and preserve this critical source of affordable housing. We applaud Representative Frost’s leadership in advancing policies that level the playing field, give residents a fair shot at ownership, and strengthen the systems needed to make that ownership possible.” - Emily Thaden, CEO of ROC USA "During a housing and affordability crisis, this bill would give residents of manufactured housing communities a meaningful opportunity to purchase the communities they call home,” said Alys Cohen, director of federal housing advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center. “Manufactured home owners face high fees, and deficient or unsafe community infrastructure. We thank Representative Frost for introducing legislation that will give these homeowners a fair shake when they try to purchase their communities." The PRO Manufactured Home Communities Act is endorsed by: ROC USA, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Private Equity Stakeholder Project, MHAction, Americans for Financial Reform, National Manufactured Home Owners Association (NMHOA), National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition

Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on Kristi Noem Firing | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Rep. Frost opposes the nomination of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security, arguing that his appointment will perpetuate what the congressman characterizes as chaotic and cruel immigration enforcement policies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement in response to President Trump’s announcement that Kristi Noem has been fired and that Senator Markwayne Mullin will serve as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. In a statement, Rep. Frost says: “Kristi Noem will go down in history as a bigot who oversaw a DHS that killed American citizens and brutalized immigrant communities. “But her firing doesn’t fix the crisis at DHS. We’re now on day 19 of a shutdown, and Democrats still have serious demands of this administration to reign in an out of control agency. “Replacing her with Markwayne Mullin doesn’t address any of the problems. As Secretary, I can almost guarantee that he will continue the chaos and cruelty. His nomination is unserious and I hope it’s defeated in the Senate.”

Congressman Maxwell Frost Reintroduces Bipartisan Fair Future Act to Support Successful Reentry by Ending Housing Exclusion for People With Prior Drug Convictions | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Congressman Frost and Congressman Mackenzie support repealing the 1988 Thurmond Amendment to the Fair Housing Amendments Act, which currently allows landlords to deny rental housing to individuals with prior drug convictions regardless of offense severity or time elapsed. The sponsors argue the policy creates inconsistent outcomes across state lines and impedes successful reentry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) introduced H.R.7765, the Fair Future Act, legislation that would repeal a 1988 amendment to the Fair Housing Amendments Act that has resulted in the permanent denial of rental housing to individuals with prior drug convictions, regardless of the severity of the offense or how much time has passed since the conviction. Rep. Frost first introduced the bill in 2024. Under current law, more than 9 million people in the United States with prior drug convictions can be denied rental housing. Yet there are no comparable federal restrictions for individuals convicted of murder or other violent crimes, creating a confusing and inconsistent patchwork of rules for property owners to navigate. Because drug laws vary widely from state to state, this policy can produce dramatically different outcomes for Americans living just miles apart. In one state, a person may serve jail time for marijuana possession and then face permanent exclusion from federal Fair Housing protections. Across the state line, however, the same conduct may be entirely legal. “Housing is a fundamental human right and the foundation for a stable and dignified life. People who have served their time and repaid their debt to society should be no exception,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “Outdated housing policies and conflicting state laws deny those with prior drug convictions a fair shot at reentering society. At the same time, the criminalization of homelessness only deepens the cycle of instability, setting people up to fail before they have a chance to rebuild. The Fair Future Act will help break this cycle of exclusion and ensure that a past mistake does not erase a person’s right to a safe, stable place to call home.” “Fair access to housing is fundamental to the American Dream,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “For some Americans working to move beyond past mistakes and access housing, the Thurmond Amendment has become an insurmountable obstacle. By allowing housing providers to automatically reject some applicants based on certain past drug convictions, regardless of how much time has passed, the law can shut the door on individuals who have worked to rebuild their lives. It’s time to give every American equal opportunity when applying for a lease. That’s why it is long overdue that the Thurmond Amendment is repealed and why I’m co-leading the Fair Future Act with Congressman Frost - so millions of Americans can have a fair chance of accessing housing.” The Fair Future Act was inspired in part by testimony from individuals directly affected by the policy, including Yusuf Dahl, a Milwaukee native who served a five-and-a-half-year sentence before earning an Ivy League education and going on to lead a center for entrepreneurship. Despite his accomplishments, Dahl was denied housing while attempting to rent a home for his family in Pennsylvania. “The bipartisan Fair Future Act recognizes that stable housing is a cornerstone of public safety and economic opportunity,” said Yusuf Dahl. “This legislation ensures that a decades-old drug conviction isn't a lifetime barrier to a home. I thank Congressmen Frost and Mackenzie for their leadership in advancing housing policy that rewards rehabilitation, supports families, and strengthens our neighborhoods.” “Prison Fellowship supports the Fair Future Act because we believe that protecting public safety and upholding the God-given dignity of every person can be done at the same time. Blanket housing exclusions do not necessarily make communities safer, and they often undermine successful reentry. Those who have served their time should have access to safe and secure housing options that set them and their families up for success.” -Scott E. Peyton, Director, Government Affairs, Prison Fellowship. The Fair Future Act has also been endorsed by the Drug Policy Alliance, Dream.org, CPAC, Prison Fellowship, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Center for Employment Opportunities, American Civil Liberties Union, Vera Institute for Justice, Prison Policy Initiative, R Street Institute, JustLeadershipUSA, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Law Project, National Healthcare for the Homeless Coalition, Due Process Institute, and the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens.

On National Day of Reading, Rep. Frost Highlights Surging School Book Bans and Reintroduces Fight Book Bans Act | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Rep. Frost advocates for the Fight Book Bans Act, which would provide federal grants to school districts to help them oppose book bans. The release argues that book censorship in schools has surged dramatically and that federal support is needed to protect academic freedom and ensure students have access to diverse educational materials.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On National Day of Reading, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), joined by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), reintroduced the Fight Book Bans Act in response to a dramatic rise in school book censorship. Nearly 7,000 books were removed from school shelves this past year, more than double the number in 2023, when the bill was first introduced. Florida alone accounts for roughly one-third of all bans. Intimidating state laws have forced school districts to pull thousands of important books, often against the wishes of educators and most parents. Polling shows only 12 percent of Americans support banning books in schools, yet many families must send their children to censored classrooms where students lose access to materials, from children's books to classics used in advanced placement courses. The consequences are already being felt. The Department of Education recently investigated book bans in Georgia for creating a hostile environment for students. Across the country, banned titles include works warning against antisemitism like Maus and The Diary of Anne Frank, foundational texts such as Shakespeare’s plays, and books like The Life of Rosa Parks, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Gender Queer, the majority of which reflect the experiences of Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ communities. School districts often cannot fight these bans because the legal, logistical, and research costs exceed their budgets. Federal support is needed to protect academic freedom and ensure students have access to diverse, accurate educational materials. The Fight Book Bans Act would allow the Department of Education to provide grants of up to $100,000 to school districts to cover the costs of opposing bad-faith book bans, with total funding capped at $15 million over five years. On a day dedicated to celebrating reading, this legislation underscores a simple principle: every child deserves a safe, welcoming school where they can learn from a full, uncensored education. “Book bans in Florida and in states across the nation are a direct attack on our freedoms and liberties everywhere. As my home state shamefully leads the country in book bans, we cannot let this censorship and dismantling of our education system go unchecked,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost. “What we are seeing in Florida and states like Texas, Utah, and Missouri are loud and clear attempts by far-right conservative leaders to silence and erase our Black, brown, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities. The Fight Book Bans Act takes a stand against censorship to firmly stand on the side of history, education, our students, teachers, and schools who don’t deserve to suffer the consequences of radical politics in the classroom. This is about protecting our libraries and protecting truth and history.” “As a former teacher and principal, I have watched a child discover their power in the pages of a book,” said Rep. Frederica S. Wilson. “That is what education is meant to do. Yet in Florida, thousands of books by Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ authors are being banned. This is not protection. It is censorship that erases stories, hides history, and limits our children’s imagination. Our schools should open doors, not build walls around knowledge. I stand with Rep. Maxwell Frost to fight these book bans because our children deserve truth, not fear. I will always stand on the side of freedom.” “Campaigns to remove books from schools and libraries are a hallmark of authoritarian and fascist regimes, and now the Trump Administration is rolling out its own national censorship program," said Rep. Raskin. "Many books are being targeted simply because they address the historical realities of racism and white supremacy or the life experiences of LGBTQ+ kids and their families. I’m proud to join Rep. Frost to reintroduce this bill to provide resources to the freedom-loving teachers, school librarians and school administrators working to keep books on our shelves and the multiple truths of human experience alive.” “Banning books in public schools is a dangerous infringement on students’ First Amendment right to access information,” said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union. “Robust and diverse school libraries are critical to ensuring that all students, regardless of their family’s income, education, race, or geographic location, have free and open access to the vast world of information each book contains. We thank Rep. Frost for working to ensure that schools have the resources they need to fight censorship and preserve the freedom to read.” “Every child should have access to books that reflect their lived experience and the world around them, but far right politicians are trying to censor LGBTQ+ inclusive literature from libraries and classrooms. It’s our youth who pay the price for politicizing classrooms and bookshelves. Congressman Frost’s Fight Book Bans Act reminds LGBTQ+ youth that they matter, and that queer literature is essential to building an education system that uplifts diversity.”- Jennifer Pike Bailey, Director of Government Affairs, Human Rights Campaign “Book bans are an affront to students’ rights. We deserve to make decisions regarding our education, not politicians who seek to undermine our liberty to learn,” said Cameron Samuels, Executive Director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). “Censorship dictates our understanding of history and what is acceptable, reinforcing an unjust status quo and impacting our futures. Our nation's youngest generation must maintain the freedom to explore our curiosities, follow our passions, and discover ourselves through the lens of literature. Book bans won’t help students succeed, but empowering students and facilitating constructive collaboration between families and educators will cultivate the future our youth deserve. As an organization led by high school and college students, we see firsthand the impacts of book bans and we are ready to say: no more.” - Ayaan Moledina, Federal Policy Director, SEAT "As Florida public school parents, we've seen our districts devote significant time and taxpayer dollars to responding to repeated book objections filed by a very small number of individuals, despite more than 95% of Florida's students having full access to the school library granted to them by their parents. Every formal challenge pulls staff, educators, and resources away from classrooms and student support. We need policies that protect the individual needs of families while ensuring our limited funds stay focused on educating our kids." - Stephana Ferrell, Co-Director, Florida Freedom to Read Project "This persistent campaign to remove access to books in public schools is costing districts time, energy, and money. This bill would offer the financial support to help districts reject the book purge and maintain access to diverse and inclusive book collections. PEN America applauds this bill, which would provide grants to schools to cover expenses incurred in fighting off book bans. We thank Representatives Frost (D-FL), Raskin (D-MD) and Wilson (D-FL) for their leadership and commitment to fighting book bans and appreciate their decision to reintroduce the Fight Book Bans Act. We call on all members of Congress to support this bill, defend the right to read and fight the practice of banning books." - Kasey Meehan, Director, Freedom to Read The Fight Books Ban Act is endorsed by: PEN America, American Library Association, Interfaith Alliance, ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, EveryLibrary, The Trevor Project, Catholics for Choice, Color of Change, UnidosUS, We Need Diverse Books, Equality Florida, Florida Freedom to Read Project, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), and NAACP DC

Congressman Maxwell Frost Demands Protections for Protestors in Any Deal to Fund DHS | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Congressman Frost opposes DHS funding without protections for peaceful protestors, including restrictions on federal surveillance of First Amendment activity and a right to sue government agents who retaliate against filming.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced today that he has sent a letter to Secretary Noem opposing immigration agents creating a database of personal information about peaceful protestors. Further, as Congress negotiates funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) he also announced he has a bill he is advocating to be part of the deal, alongside Senator Blumenthal (D-CT), which strengthens First Amendment protections by giving individuals the right to sue government agents or officials who prevent or retaliate against them for filming. The letter raises alarm over recent reports, including federal agents in Minneapolis being instructed to collect images, license plates, and personal information on peaceful protestors. “If Republicans want to keep the government open, they need to be willing to negotiate real protections for Americans’ constitutional rights,” said Rep. Frost. “We’re not writing a blank check to agencies that surveil, intimidate, or criminalize peaceful protest.” Taken together, the letter and legislation amplify key requirements for DHS funding negotiations, including limits on surveillance of First Amendment protected activity, restrictions on federal involvement in local protest response, and clear accountability when federal personnel violate civil rights. To read the full letter, click here.

Frost, Soto Send Letter to DHS, ICE Strongly Opposing Detention Center in Central Florida | Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th District

Position: Representatives Frost and Soto oppose the opening of a new ICE detention center in Central Florida, citing documented abuse and poor conditions at existing facilities, inadequate infrastructure at the proposed site, and harm to immigrant communities.

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, Central Florida Reps.  Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Darren Soto (FL-09) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons strongly opposing the opening of a new ICE detention center in Central Florida. "Abuse and injustices in Florida at the hands of ICE are well-documented. At the Everglades Detention Center (“Alligator Alcatraz”), there have been numerous reports of pest infestations, poor nutrition, and packing of detainees into crowded cages. Recent reports have exposed ICE agents’ efforts to skirt detention rules by indefinitely rebooking detainees after temporary transport from Orange County Jail to other detention sites. These actions have raised concerns among many, including multiple federal judges who have ordered the immediate removal of immigrants being held at the Orange County Jail due to this illegal ICE policy. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Byron ordered the release of a local Cuban immigrant who was being detained but is not accused of a crime and has no order of deportation. Fundamentally, ICE has stripped immigrants living in our community of their rights and humanity. We will not stand for any furthering of this injustice,” wrote the Members. "Last month, it was reported that ICE agents were touring an industrial warehouse in Orlando to potentially convert into an ICE detention facility. In addition to opposing additional ICE enforcement efforts targeting non-criminals and family members, we are gravely concerned about opening an additional ICE detention facility at this location. This building is not zoned for human residence and has inadequate facilities to accommodate waste management and general habitation. We are especially concerned regarding the risks to human life and safety should such a structure be hit with natural disasters. Given the deplorable conditions at other ICE facilities, we find it increasingly difficult to believe that this facility would do more than propagate suffering for the people of Central Florida. The crackdown on immigration has been a costly effort for our state that has only served to destabilize our communities and cause egregious human rights violations. Our constituents live in fear, including those here legally, and further expansion in Florida will only further harm our constituents and our communities. We vehemently oppose an additional ICE detention facility in Central Florida and believe DHS and ICE should abandon this plan," continued the Members. For a copy of the letter, please click here.