Hey John,

Last week, something powerful happened in Orange County:

Mayor Jerry Demings and every single County Commissioner voted to reject ICE’s push to transport immigrant detainees on the county dime. It was a unanimous vote against fear, against overreach, and in defense of immigrant dignity and local democracy.

Now, Florida’s Attorney General Uthmeier is threatening to remove them all from office. Why? Because they stood up to ICE — and stood with the people. 

This is retaliation. Plain and simple.

Orange County took a bold and moral stand, and it didn’t happen by chance. 

It happened because our communities organized. Through the Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition, we packed commission meetings, met with electeds, and sent over 3,500 emails demanding they end participation in ICE’s abusive detention system.

And they listened.

Why this matters beyond Orange County:

This moment isn’t just about one county or one commission meeting.
It’s part of a growing resistance right here in Florida:

-- It’s about protecting due process and human rights

-- It’s about defending local democracy from political bullying

-- It’s about demanding money for homes and schools — not jails and deportation

-- And it’s proof that grassroots organizing works

We can’t let this moment pass quietly. We need to show Demings and the Commission that when you’re brave with the people, the people show up for you.

Take Action Now:

👉🏾 Send a Thank You Message to Orange County leaders
👉🏾 Join us August 5th at the next County Commission meeting in Orange County, 201 S Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 at 9 am

Together, we’re building something stronger than fear — and we won’t be bullied into silence.

In solidarity,

Your Florida Rising Family

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