Immigration reform

Some prominent law enforcers who've been known for their tough stance on illegal immigration want a path to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants.

The nationalities of those taken into custody span more than 120 countries, and their ages range from 1 to 89.

On "The Florida Roundup," Eve Samples with Friends of the Everglades discussed the organization's lawsuit against the state for the Alligator Alcatraz center and more.

Many panel participants said the rules and objectives of both federal and state enforcement actions are often vague and even contradictory.

Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas says teachers can be fired for expressing such sentiments in social media posts or on school property.

As budget talks start in Tallahassee, an early rift between the chambers involves the size of the emergency fund and a House bill that limits how it can be used.

Part of the House's budget package would bar the use of the governor's emergency fund for immigration enforcement. The Senate plan does not include restrictions.

The immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades was embroiled in controversy before it opened last summer, and environmentalists are fighting to shut it down.

A Leon County circuit judge wrote that the laws allow access to facilities such as state prisons and county jails — but not to the immigrant-detention center run by the state.

Five Democratic lawmakers filed the lawsuit in July after they made an unannounced visit to the facility in the Florida Everglades and were denied access.