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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.

These sisters are biking from Miami to Cape Cod to fund East Coast trail

Both women, who are in their 60s, want to raise money for two nonprofits.

A pair of bike-riding sisters in their 60s are pedaling 1,600 miles from Miami Beach to Massachusetts to raise money for a car-free path connecting East Coast states.

How to see (and protect) baby sea turtles during South Florida nesting season

The nesting season is a great opportunity for wildlife observations, but keep your distance.

Environment

It&#x27;s sea <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turtle nesting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/09/26/florida-sea-turtles-nesting-season" data-vars-content-id="2caa8635-e976-4d03-8398-0985bebd6d00" data-vars-headline="How to see (and protect) baby sea turtles during South Florida nesting season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/09/26/florida-sea-turtles-nesting-season" target="_self">turtle nesting</a> season in South Florida — that time of year when our beaches become runways for newborn hatchlings making their daring escapes into the sea.Why it matters: This is a time for cautious curiosity.<ul><li>Local governments are enforcing rules against bright lights near the beach and protecting nests, while groups offer guided tours to view the turtles from a safe distance.</li></ul>

Florida national parks see more visitors in 2025, led by Big Cypress

Big Cypress National Preserve set a visitation record in 2022.

Nearly 4 million people visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s national parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/07/06/florida-national-parks-visitor-spending" data-vars-content-id="67b4cbaa-e42e-4b24-bb65-d7655f1abbea" data-vars-headline="Florida national parks see more visitors in 2025, led by Big Cypress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/07/06/florida-national-parks-visitor-spending" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s national parks</a> and preserves in 2025, a slight increase from 2024. Why it matters: The Sunshine State remains a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts — and its natural playgrounds pump billions of dollars into the state&#x27;s economy each year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Tampa Bay reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-tampa-bay-4ac7a126-9f38-4a6a-8998-a5e56dbede5a.html" data-vars-content-id="67b4cbaa-e42e-4b24-bb65-d7655f1abbea" data-vars-headline="Florida national parks see more visitors in 2025, led by Big Cypress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-tampa-bay-4ac7a126-9f38-4a6a-8998-a5e56dbede5a.html" target="_self">Axios Tampa Bay reports</a>.

Citizens shed 180,000 insurance policies in Southeast Florida last year

That's a 56% decrease in Miami-Dade and surrounding counties.

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. shed about 180,000 policies in Southeast Florida last year, according to data released last month.Why it matters: It is no longer the state&#x27;s largest insurer, with a market share of less than 10%, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida Office of Insurance Regulation" data-vars-click-url="https://floir.gov/docs-sf/default-source/property-and-casualty/stability-unit-reports/january-2026-isu-report-final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="eb42a854-fb62-420a-9009-8b1c24769188" data-vars-headline="Citizens shed 180,000 insurance policies in Southeast Florida last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floir.gov/docs-sf/default-source/property-and-casualty/stability-unit-reports/january-2026-isu-report-final.pdf" target="_blank">Florida Office of Insurance Regulation</a>.

Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say

The Trump administration is calling it a conservation success story.

Federal wildlife officials are removing protections for a Florida bird no longer considered threatened while agreeing to protect 11 other local plants and animals.Why it matters: The delisting of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wood stork" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/wood-stork/" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/wood-stork/" target="_blank">wood stork</a> — decades after it was deemed endangered in 1984 — is being hailed by the Trump administration as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conservation success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-02/wood-stork-delisted" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-02/wood-stork-delisted" target="_blank">conservation success</a> story.By the numbers: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the wood stork was near extinction in 1984, as its population had declined by more than 75% since the 1930s.<ul><li>That was largely due to habitat loss, especially in South Florida, the agency says.</li><li>In 2014, it was reclassified from endangered to threatened.</li><li>Today, the bird&#x27;s breeding population is estimated at between 10,000 and 14,000 nesting pairs — more than twice the number compared to when the species was listed.</li><li>Their breeding habitat stretches across Florida and other southern states.</li></ul>The other side: The Center for Biological Diversity argues the bird has not met recovery goals in South Florida and that Trump administration policies are threatening its wetland habitat, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inside Climate News" data-vars-click-url="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022026/south-florida-plants-animals-endangered-species-act/" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022026/south-florida-plants-animals-endangered-species-act/" target="_blank">Inside Climate News</a>.Meanwhile, following a lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to finalize protections for the 11 other plant and animal species.<ul><li>Those include the Florida Keys mole skink, the Rim Rock crowned snake and the Key ring-necked snake, Inside Climate News reported.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The delisting of the wood stork will be final on March 9.

State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility

An animal welfare group says quarantine rules were violated after a research monkey went missing in Miami.

Florida wildlife officials are investigating after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="research monkey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/13/cambodia-monkey-export-crackdown-us-pharma" data-vars-content-id="93940f2c-d9fa-4a2d-b0b8-731d3cbbafce" data-vars-headline="State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/13/cambodia-monkey-export-crackdown-us-pharma" target="_self">research monkey</a> imported from an African island wound up in a medical waste treatment facility in Miami, leading to it being euthanized.Why it matters: Animal welfare group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PETA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/03/peta-lawsuit-massachusetts-wiretapping-law-animal-abuse-recording-consent" data-vars-content-id="93940f2c-d9fa-4a2d-b0b8-731d3cbbafce" data-vars-headline="State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/03/peta-lawsuit-massachusetts-wiretapping-law-animal-abuse-recording-consent" target="_self">PETA</a> says the blunder endangered the monkey and threatened public health because it violated federal animal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quarantine requirements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-us/nonhuman-primate.html" data-vars-content-id="93940f2c-d9fa-4a2d-b0b8-731d3cbbafce" data-vars-headline="State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-us/nonhuman-primate.html" target="_blank">quarantine requirements</a>.

Miami-Dade residents asked to conserve water as Florida drought deepens

Mandatory water restrictions may be imposed if conditions don't improve.

A drought has taken hold across Florida, with some areas experiencing extreme conditions. Why it matters: Drought and water usage are burdening the underground Biscayne Aquifer, which increases the risk of saltwater intrusion for Miami-Dade County&#x27;s primary water source.

Utility costs on Florida voters' minds in 2026, report says

That's especially true for South Florida's seniors and those with fixed incomes.

Election

Ahead of this year&#x27;s midterm elections, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" data-vars-content-id="d00061e8-1f52-4da9-81fd-33c928545f3f" data-vars-headline="Utility costs on Florida voters&#x27; minds in 2026, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" target="_blank">a new report</a> predicts that energy affordability could emerge as a top concern among voters in Florida.Why it matters: Voters in November will elect <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/14/desantis-lieutenant-governor-pick-raises-2026-questions" data-vars-content-id="d00061e8-1f52-4da9-81fd-33c928545f3f" data-vars-headline="Utility costs on Florida voters&#x27; minds in 2026, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/14/desantis-lieutenant-governor-pick-raises-2026-questions" target="_self">a new governor</a> and decide whether to give GOP Sen. Ashley Moody <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="her first full term" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/ashley-moody-desantis-pick-florida-senate-seat" data-vars-content-id="d00061e8-1f52-4da9-81fd-33c928545f3f" data-vars-headline="Utility costs on Florida voters&#x27; minds in 2026, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/ashley-moody-desantis-pick-florida-senate-seat" target="_self">her first full term</a>.<ul><li>They&#x27;ll also decide a slew of federal, state and local races. </li></ul>

Floridians have captured over 2,000 stunned iguanas during cold front

State wildlife officials say residents helped collect thousands of cold-stunned iguanas across Florida.

Floridians don&#x27;t shovel snow, they bag iguanas.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s wildlife agency says it collected more than 2,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cold-stunned green iguanas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/01/31/cold-iguana-stunned-florida" data-vars-content-id="0f887297-b0ec-4c19-a6b9-452bbd165160" data-vars-headline="Floridians have captured over 2,000 stunned iguanas during cold front" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/01/31/cold-iguana-stunned-florida" target="_self">cold-stunned green iguanas</a> after announcing a two-day removal event during Florida&#x27;s ongoing cold snap.

How to recycle your Christmas tree in Miami

Three Kings Day is over. For many, it's time to get rid of that tree.

Christmas time has come and gone. So while Santa Claus and Los Reyes Magos go on vacation, you&#x27;d better figure out what to do with that shriveled-up tree in your living room.

Axios Tampa Bay

A map showing the change in Citizens Property Insurance policies from 2024 to 2025 among Miami-area counties. The area as a whole saw a 56% decline in such policies. Palm Beach County saw the largest decline,  dropping 65% from 74.2k to 26.2k policies.