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Miami ICE leads U.S. in arrests, driven by local cops' cooperation

Florida tops the nation in ICE agreements with local police.

News

Immigration arrests in Florida have skyrocketed under President Trump, an increase local advocates attribute to how the state&#x27;s police departments have partnered with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigration and Customs Enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/ice-border-patrol-lyons-scott-trump-house-panel" data-vars-content-id="8a5c2819-84ba-4029-8fe0-332c2a7b348c" data-vars-headline="Miami ICE leads U.S. in arrests, driven by local cops&#x27; cooperation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/ice-border-patrol-lyons-scott-trump-house-panel" target="_self">Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a>.Why it matters: While South Florida hasn&#x27;t seen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-profile raids" data-vars-click-url="https://newrepublic.com/post/208648/ice-military-base-arrest-newlywed-soldier-wife" data-vars-content-id="8a5c2819-84ba-4029-8fe0-332c2a7b348c" data-vars-headline="Miami ICE leads U.S. in arrests, driven by local cops&#x27; cooperation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newrepublic.com/post/208648/ice-military-base-arrest-newlywed-soldier-wife" target="_blank">high-profile raids</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="large protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/01/30/g-s1-108087/photos-thousands-once-again-protest-ice-in-minneapolis-and-across-the-u-s" data-vars-content-id="8a5c2819-84ba-4029-8fe0-332c2a7b348c" data-vars-headline="Miami ICE leads U.S. in arrests, driven by local cops&#x27; cooperation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/01/30/g-s1-108087/photos-thousands-once-again-protest-ice-in-minneapolis-and-across-the-u-s" target="_blank">large protests</a> that drew widespread attention to other communities, data shows the region is a national hot spot for immigration enforcement.

Tons of Inter Miami fans ditch cars for Metrorail, Tri-Rail in rare transit win

Fans were lured by $10 concessions vouchers and the prospect of saving time and money.

Transit

<figure><img alt="Inter Miami fans Rick and Nancy Blanchett took the Tri-Rail to Saturday&#x27;s match. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios" height="3024" id="c1173d45-0324-497d-bdc7-a4bdc85b9a77" src="https://images.axios.com/OGSNn3-S8ynF-bqyr_PPZIhlFN4=/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/NQl_E8mT7kU8YO0kniGQVuMilE8=/0x0:4032x3024/1920x1440/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/NHcS7qSiNnIUuEPXxdkYeVPjw4w=/0x0:4032x3024/1600x1200/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/X2SyKXicEVqBUL0lJmqjY8US9fA=/0x0:4032x3024/1366x1024/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/sY2_n0EqLR8fl-e94XVWUkcBg_8=/0x0:4032x3024/1024x768/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/J3Fexd7DFFWKFhCqeBFE8Z8557Q=/0x0:4032x3024/768x576/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/iOAaYzDQHZWkxhZ4NLRj65Pm4gM=/0x0:4032x3024/640x480/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/m6BP5o0DoGsZEXmFHo57kQ5jUEA=/0x0:4032x3024/320x240/2026/04/05/1775403668907.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Inter Miami fans Rick and Nancy Blanchett took the Tri-Rail to Saturday&#x27;s match. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios</figcaption></figure>After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inter Miami&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/02/what-inter-miami-fans-should-know-ahead-of-stadium-opener" data-vars-content-id="b19f5ad6-00aa-463a-843d-eea77e34d70c" data-vars-headline="Tons of Inter Miami fans ditch cars for Metrorail, Tri-Rail in rare transit win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/02/what-inter-miami-fans-should-know-ahead-of-stadium-opener" target="_self">Inter Miami&#x27;s</a> first match at Nu Stadium on Saturday, hundreds of fans walked past the gridlocked parking lot and made a beeline for a nearby mass-transit hub. Why it matters: That&#x27;s just what Inter wanted.<ul><li>If it keeps up, it could ease traffic around the stadium and boost ridership numbers for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cash-strapped Tri-Rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wlrn.org/news-in-brief/2026-01-12/tri-rail-rideership" data-vars-content-id="b19f5ad6-00aa-463a-843d-eea77e34d70c" data-vars-headline="Tons of Inter Miami fans ditch cars for Metrorail, Tri-Rail in rare transit win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wlrn.org/news-in-brief/2026-01-12/tri-rail-rideership" target="_blank">cash-strapped Tri-Rail</a> train system.</li></ul>The big picture: Seeing big crowds line up to take Metrorail, Tri-Rail and other public transit was an unusual sight in a car-centric city. <ul><li>But fans were lured by $10 concessions vouchers from the club and the prospect of avoiding the stress of driving and the price of parking.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Inter Miami fans walk toward a nearby transit hub near the stadium after Saturday&#x27;s match. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios" height="3024" id="55e9db83-0446-4b3b-8731-bfcbdcaa8c47" src="https://images.axios.com/U67hLHuVIQpRm8OesarjEhq0seA=/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/d8bTDeEZLvSgG0L6KVIZ88mbaJg=/0x0:4032x3024/1920x1440/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/-vjVyQ8SfuNvyXLhX-fvmnKoGR8=/0x0:4032x3024/1600x1200/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/jyIVXvXSrLDRJEKZhx4q9IOGZv4=/0x0:4032x3024/1366x1024/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/RUl7p7QMNnDW2PVSs_fsUgYokdk=/0x0:4032x3024/1024x768/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/85OZwcntLKZJcppNMykPjYqevFY=/0x0:4032x3024/768x576/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/lc5Lle-3dxGCKJX_KKVwlrnfVdA=/0x0:4032x3024/640x480/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/sK_igv0ETQieMy00Wspt_j_Mcxs=/0x0:4032x3024/320x240/2026/04/05/1775403763476.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Hundreds of Inter Miami fans walk toward a transit hub near the stadium after Saturday&#x27;s match. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios</figcaption></figure>My experience: I rode the Tri-Rail from Hollywood to the Miami Airport station, also known as the Miami Intermodal Center, and my train car was full of pink-clad fans.<ul><li>It was about a 40-minute ride and then a 10-15-minute walk to the stadium — longer on the way back with more fans.</li><li>Tri-Rail is partnering with Inter this season to offer late rides for weekend home games, leaving about 45 minutes after the final whistle. (Saturday&#x27;s train departed at about 11pm, closer to an hour after the game ended.)</li><li>A weekend day pass is $5, compared to at least $45 to park at the stadium.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Many of the Tri-Rail riders I spoke to don&#x27;t typically take public transit, but saw that Inter Miami was encouraging it and decided to try it.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s gonna beat driving any time,&quot; said Alfredo Barreiro, a Hollywood Beach resident.</li><li>Maria Orozco, of Davie, said the team&#x27;s Fort Lauderdale stadium was an easier drive for her but taking the train should be less stressful.</li><li>&quot;Using the train is better because traffic is rough and finding parking in that area is even worse.&quot;</li></ul>Rick and Nancy Blanchett drove two hours from Fort Myers to Hollywood, where they hopped on the southbound Tri-Rail.<ul><li>&quot;I didn&#x27;t know how many people were going to use it,&quot; Rick Blanchett, a Miami native, said. &quot;It was a long enough ride coming over from Fort Myers, so this is perfect.&quot;</li><li>The South Florida sports fans say they regularly make the trip from Fort Myers to watch the Heat, Marlins and Dolphins, but being able to leave their car behind was a first.</li><li>&quot;I&#x27;m hoping this really takes off,&quot; Blanchett said.</li></ul>

As immigration slows, Miami-Dade's population growth declines

The data offers how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America's demographic makeup.

Politics

Miami-Dade County&#x27;s population shrank last year amid a massive drop in immigration, following a nationwide trend, new U.S. Census data shows.Why it matters: The data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

Inter Miami celebrates new stadium with house-warming party

Like any house-warming party, the hosts swept some things under the rug.

Sports

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ran onto the field as &quot;Hustlin&quot; by Miami rap star Rick Ross blared through stadium speakers.<ul><li>Adopted 305-er Marc Anthony sang the national anthem, and pink smoke filled Nu Stadium as the first of several fireworks lit up the sky over Inter&#x27;s new Miami home.</li></ul>Why it matters: The club threw a very Miami housewarming party on Saturday night to christen its new stadium.

What to know about SOLFL, an ex-WeWork exec's private school in El Portal

SOLFL (pronounced "soulful") is a nontraditional school founded by Rebekah Neumann, a former WeWork executive.

Education

A private school created by former WeWork executives is set to open in El Portal next year with a non-traditional approach to everything from curriculum to classroom design.<ul><li>For starters, there&#x27;s no frontal teaching, so visitors won&#x27;t find rows of desks with a teacher at the helm.</li></ul>

Scoop: Employees say WLRN's future at stake in latest escalation with leadership

Miami's NPR station faces a growing revolt among employees.

Miami&#x27;s NPR station faces a growing revolt among employees who say board chair Richard Rampell is putting the station in jeopardy.Why it matters: The future of public radio in Miami is at stake in an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalating conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/17/wlrn-miami-dade-public-schools-lawsuit-emails" data-vars-content-id="b29086d4-66b5-406d-ae65-9d6920444de4" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Employees say WLRN&#x27;s future at stake in latest escalation with leadership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/17/wlrn-miami-dade-public-schools-lawsuit-emails" target="_self">escalating conflict</a> between South Florida Public Media Group, which manages WLRN, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.<ul><li>The contract between the school district, which holds WLRN&#x27;s broadcast license, and SFPMG is set to expire in June 2027.</li></ul>

Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit

The dispute has been brewing since the summer.

Senior employees of Miami-Dade&#x27;s public radio station say they&#x27;ve lost trust in its leadership amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="monthslong legal fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/10/miami-dade-schools-lawsuit-wlrn" data-vars-content-id="28c8bf0f-b5e8-4ee2-bf9a-f035f0898001" data-vars-headline="Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/10/miami-dade-schools-lawsuit-wlrn" target="_self">monthslong legal fight</a> with the county&#x27;s school district.

Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education

Florida during his tenure has often served as a test kitchen for boundary-testing policies.

Entering his final year in office, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who built his national profile on overhauling public education, is celebrating his achievements rather than pushing for one final round of reforms.Why it matters: The governor&#x27;s education policies have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="provided a blueprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/07/22/republican-platform-florida-education" data-vars-content-id="e2a1adee-9662-46b1-aefb-7393817dd622" data-vars-headline="Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/07/22/republican-platform-florida-education" target="_self">provided a blueprint</a> for conservative reforms nationwide, with Florida during his tenure often serving as a test kitchen for boundary-testing policies.<ul><li>But many public education advocates say the governor will leave office having gutted the state&#x27;s public school system, to the detriment of teachers and families.</li></ul>

Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools received letters of intent from three charter companies.

Charter school operators are seeking to share building space with close to 100 public schools in Miami-Dade County.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest charter school expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="77256f79-ff04-4712-9965-c706cadbd357" data-vars-headline="Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">latest charter school expansion</a> that public education advocates worry will come at the expense of traditional schools.<ul><li>Under the state law setting the framework for campus colocation, school districts foot the bill for custodial, food and other services.</li></ul>

How international student enrollment is holding up in Florida amid national declines

Some Florida universities had slight bumps in the number of students attending this fall.

American universities enrolled fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" data-vars-content-id="07e5c6a7-9d2d-4269-a400-dc4b349ddede" data-vars-headline="How international student enrollment is holding up in Florida amid national declines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" target="_self">international students</a> this fall, the first full academic year under President Trump&#x27;s second term. <ul><li>But some Florida schools are bucking that trend.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Trump administration upended the spring semester for international students nationwide, raising questions about enrollment this autumn.

Multi-million-dollar grant to expand arts education across Miami

Arts Access Miami wants to reach all 325 public schools by 2032.

A $5.6 million grant will help expand arts education across Miami-Dade&#x27;s public schoolsWhy it matters: Arts Access Miami, a coalition of independent arts organizations, says its work has increased literacy, attendance and emotional development among students at participating schools.

UF tops Florida schools in 2026 Best Colleges list

The annual Best Colleges report is one of the most influential and controversial rankings of colleges nationwide

The University of Florida remains the state&#x27;s highest ranked school, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="daf11092-c42c-4c24-82fa-04303da31cd1" data-vars-headline="UF tops Florida schools in 2026 Best Colleges list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a>.Why it matters: The annual Best Colleges report is one of the most influential and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2024/09/25/why-the-u-s-news-college-rankings-have-sparked-controversy-criticism/75375117007/" data-vars-content-id="daf11092-c42c-4c24-82fa-04303da31cd1" data-vars-headline="UF tops Florida schools in 2026 Best Colleges list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2024/09/25/why-the-u-s-news-college-rankings-have-sparked-controversy-criticism/75375117007/" target="_blank">controversial</a> rankings of colleges nationwide.

First look: Miami's public schools lose about 12,000 students

A continued decline in enrollment will mean even fewer dollars for local schools.

Preliminary enrollment numbers suggest the Miami-Dade County Public School District has nearly 12,100 fewer students enrolled so far this year compared to last.Why it matters: Miami is already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing a budget deficit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/30/miami-dade-public-schools-budget-millions-deficit" data-vars-content-id="b7dccdd1-3e7f-4d10-897f-88d0d5cc9669" data-vars-headline="First look: Miami&#x27;s public schools lose about 12,000 students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/30/miami-dade-public-schools-budget-millions-deficit" target="_self">facing a budget deficit</a> upwards of $50 million, officials have said, and a continued decline in enrollment will mean even fewer dollars, as public schools are funded on a per-pupil basis.<ul><li>Continued monetary shortfalls could lead to major changes in the district, including job cuts or hindering the growth of programs like International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.</li></ul>

AI "is here." Miami-Dade Public Schools wants to create guidelines

High school students already have access to Google's Gemini.

Determining how and when to use artificial intelligence in the classroom is again at the forefront of discussion in Miami-Dade County schools — just as a new school year is set to begin.The latest: At the School Board&#x27;s monthly meeting Tuesday, officials are expected to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weigh a proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://pdfs.dadeschools.net/Bdarch/2025/Bd081225/agenda/h4rev.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7f744f48-8ca5-42be-acaf-a186b9deb3f2" data-vars-headline="AI &quot;is here.&quot; Miami-Dade Public Schools wants to create guidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pdfs.dadeschools.net/Bdarch/2025/Bd081225/agenda/h4rev.pdf" target="_blank">weigh a proposal</a> requiring district staff to create guidelines teachers can use to incorporate AI in their classrooms.<ul><li>A central component would be a &quot;tiered framework&quot; governing the use of AI for certain tasks, ranging from no use of AI for some to minimal or maximum use for others.</li></ul>

Education 📚

What to know about SOLFL, an ex-WeWork exec's private school in El Portal

Scoop: Employees say WLRN's future at stake in latest escalation with leadership

Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit

Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education

Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools