![The photo illustration shows a U.S. map with dots where local agencies have an agreement with ICE, and a memo with a pull quote that reads: “If your agency receives FOIA requests, [S]unshine [L]aw requests, or other similar requests … you should immediately consult with the ICE FOIA office … or your local Field Office Director.”](https://i0.wp.com/floridatrib.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ICE-Police-TCBT-050626-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
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.
Tag: florida
Posted inFlorida
New records show Florida officials burned more than $1.2 million per day on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Last August, the Florida Division of Emergency Management requested a $1.49 billion grant from the federal government, underscoring the staggering scale of spending of taxpayer dollars on federal immigration enforcement.
Posted inState Government
DeSantis spent $573 million on immigration. The feds may never pay Florida back
Months after federal officials publicly committed to awarding Florida more than half a billion dollars to cover immigration enforcement costs, attorneys for the federal government appear to be backtracking on the grant award.
Posted inElections
State announces no citizens’ initiatives qualified for 2026 ballot, following new law
In the wake of a new state law designed to rein in ballot initiatives, advocates fear Florida could become a blueprint for other states.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
‘Force is ugly, but’: JSO seldom punishes cops accused of abuse
Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers inconsistently report when they’ve injured civilians, thanks in part to a vague use-of-force policy.
Posted inFlorida
‘Cold-Blooded’ wins 2025 Online News Award, recognized for impact
The Tributary today was awarded one of journalism’s most prestigious awards. ‘Cold-Blooded’ won the Online News Association’s feature reporting award, honoring excellence in online journalism that shows depth, insight and new understanding. The series has already been cited in filings to the Florida Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court.
Posted inFlorida
As immigration arrests surge and oversight ebbs, 911 calls at Florida detention center double
Emergency call data at the Broward immigration detention center align with allegations by attorneys and advocates that the system is overwhelmed.
Posted inFlorida
Witnesses in Duval Death Row case say they were coached by detective to lie
The legal team representing Michael Bell submitted handwritten affidavits from both witnesses, each saying he was coached to give false testimony by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Detective William Bolena.
Posted inFlorida
‘Open for business:’ It pays to be an informant. Telling the truth is optional
It is no mystery why detainees will seize the chance to testify that they heard someone confess – whether true or not.
![Prosecutor George Bateh speaks with the media after a hearing in Kenneth Hartley's murder case. [contributed by News4Jax video archives]](https://i0.wp.com/floridatrib.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-10.17.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Posted inFlorida
George Bateh put 15 men on Death Row – and was rebuked twice by Florida’s Supreme Court
George Bateh was good at putting people on Death Row. Whether that was the work of a righteous prosecutor or a sneaky courtroom tactician is a question at the heart of the legacy he left behind after more than 30 years in the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.