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ICE Field Office Sparks Protests Near UCF

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. 2/ice-field-office-sparks-protests-near-ucf.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 5:05 GMT by Orlando Sentinel
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

Orlando, FL - February 12th, 2026 - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is generating significant local controversy as it reportedly investigates establishing a field office in close proximity to the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. The emergence of a commercial real estate listing seeking space in the UCF area has sparked widespread protest and anxiety amongst students, faculty, and immigrant advocacy groups.

While ICE has yet to issue an official statement confirming the prospective lease, the listing - detailing requirements for a substantial office space - has fueled speculation and intensified existing fears about increased immigration enforcement within the Central Florida community. The proposed location, intentionally or not, places the agency directly adjacent to a major educational institution with a diverse student body, including a significant population of first-generation Americans and individuals with immigrant family members.

The initial concerns, voiced primarily through student-led organizations and online forums, have now escalated into organized demonstrations. The UCF Student Government Association has been at the forefront of these efforts, issuing statements expressing deep apprehension over the potential impact on student safety and wellbeing. "Our campus is a place of learning and inclusivity," stated Anya Sharma, current SGA president. "Introducing a visible and active ICE presence sends a chilling message to a large segment of our student population and threatens the safe haven we strive to provide."

This situation occurs against a backdrop of evolving national immigration policies. The past few years have seen significant shifts in enforcement priorities, moving towards a greater emphasis on interior enforcement, often targeting individuals with no serious criminal records. Critics argue that this approach disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities and creates an atmosphere of fear, hindering access to essential services like education and healthcare. The potential UCF office, they fear, will exacerbate this trend.

Local immigrant advocacy groups, such as the Florida Immigrant Coalition, are collaborating with UCF students to organize a sustained campaign opposing the ICE expansion. They plan to hold town halls, educational workshops, and further protests to raise awareness and pressure local officials to intervene. "We've seen time and again how the presence of ICE can disrupt families and communities," explains Maria Rodriguez, the Coalition's regional director. "Locating an office near a university sends a clear message that students and their families are being targeted and monitored. It's unacceptable."

Beyond the immediate concerns of student safety, the economic implications are also being debated. Some business owners in the area worry that an increased ICE presence could deter customers and negatively impact the local economy, particularly within communities heavily reliant on immigrant labor. Others argue that the agency's presence could strain local law enforcement resources and necessitate increased security measures.

Currently, details remain scarce. The size of the proposed office is estimated to be around 10,000 square feet, potentially housing dozens of ICE personnel. The listing suggests the office would serve as a hub for investigations, detention processing, and potentially deportation proceedings. However, ICE has not clarified the specific functions the office would undertake, leaving many questions unanswered. Attempts to reach ICE for comment have yielded only a standard response acknowledging the agency is "always evaluating options to best fulfill its mission."

Orlando Mayor Patricia Hayes has remained cautiously silent on the matter, stating she is awaiting further information from ICE and will schedule a public forum to address community concerns once details are confirmed. However, critics point to her past support for federal law enforcement agencies as a potential obstacle to meaningful dialogue.

The situation at UCF mirrors similar controversies unfolding at universities across the country. Several institutions have faced student protests and faculty resolutions opposing partnerships with ICE or the establishment of ICE facilities on or near campus. These disputes highlight the growing tension between universities, which often prioritize inclusivity and student safety, and federal immigration enforcement agencies. The outcome of the UCF case could set a precedent for similar situations nationwide, solidifying a stance for either collaboration or resistance towards increased ICE presence in educational settings.