This attack is aimed at marginalized communities and focused on creating fear as Fascists do.

Orlando, FL — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) strongly condemns the Trump administration’s escalating authoritarianism and federal overreach in Washington, D.C., which now includes ICE raids at schools and shelters, attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and the targeting of judges, election officials, and civil servants.

“This is a coordinated assault on democracy, dignity, and the rule of law,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “We are witnessing the rapid erosion of civil rights and constitutional protections, and we refuse to be silent. Trump has made it clear that the federal forces will focus on marginalized communities which is totally unacceptable.”

This remarkable turn is even more egregious given that crime is at a low in DC: Violent crime dropped 35% in 2024, and another 26% so far in 2025. Local law enforcement is doing a good job. Adding National Guard troops and FBI agents will create fear and disrupt fragile communities.

Trump’s executive orders have empowered ICE to arrest undocumented individuals near schools, hospitals, and places of worship—creating a climate of fear that deters families from seeking education, medical care, or legal support. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ communities face renewed discrimination through federal rollbacks and hate-fueled rhetoric.

FL NOW joins national leaders in calling for:

• Immediate protection of undocumented families and sanctuary spaces
• Defense of LGBTQ+ rights and safety
• Support for targeted public officials and election workers
• Boycotts of corporations enabling authoritarian rule
• Funding for legal resistance and grassroots organizing
• Participation in nationwide protests to fuel the movement against fascism

“We urge every Floridian to mobilize, look for actions—locally and nationally,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “This is a moment for bold resistance, coalition action, and unwavering solidarity with those most under attack. We will not be silent as Trump preys on the most disadvantaged of all of us. His racism is clear in this takeover of DC.”

FL NOW will continue to organize, educate, and advocate for a Florida—and a nation—where equity, justice, and liberation are not negotiable.

About FL NOW FL NOW is a grassroots feminist organization committed to advancing gender equity, racial justice, and systemic change across Florida. We advocate for policies that center marginalized voices and build resilient, values-driven movements.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, FL NOW Vice President, vp@flnow.org, (407) 234-640

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2025

President Julie Kent, Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW)

FL NOW applauds the Court’s Decision to Halt the Everglades Detention Camp construction due to environmental concerns.

A federal judge has temporarily halted construction at the controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz”, citing serious environmental concerns.

Court Decision Highlights

• U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a 14-day restraining order on August 7, 2025, blocking all new construction—including paving, lighting, and infrastructure installation—while a lawsuit proceeds.
• The lawsuit, filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, alleges violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act, and other federal statutes.
• The facility is in Big Cypress National Preserve, adjacent to sacred tribal lands and endangered ecosystems.

Environmental & Tribal Concerns

• Plaintiffs argue the detention center threatens:
  • Wetlands and endangered species
  • Clean water and dark sky protections
  • Tribal sovereignty and sacred lands

“The detention facility threatens land that is not only environmentally sensitive but sacred to our people,” said Miccosukee Chairman Talbert Cypress.

Ongoing Operations

• The judge’s order does not suspend deportation operations at the facility.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded: “Operations at Alligator Alcatraz are ongoing and deportations are continuing”.

What’s Next

• A hearing on a preliminary injunction is expected soon. If granted, it could halt construction indefinitely or even lead to the facility’s closure.
• A separate lawsuit is underway over alleged inhumane conditions, including lack of access to attorneys, extreme heat, and unsanitary living quarters.

Julie Kent, President of FL NOW said: “We are relieved that the construction of this detention camp in the Everglades has been stopped. There are obvious violations of environmental law and lack of respect for tribal lands. We look forward to the closure of the Everglades Detention Camp due to environmental issues and human rights violations including the terribly inhumane conditions. Although there are many to thank for this Court outcome, I would like to thank Dr. Anna Eskamani for her heartfelt and convincing testimony.”

Call To Action

• Support environmental groups and tribes fighting this unnecessary intrusion into one of our National Parks.
• Support lawsuits aimed at compliance with environmental laws and human rights.
• Continue to protest the Everglades Detention Camp
• Do not call the Everglades Detention Camp the disgusting title of Alligator Alcatraz!

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP Florida NOW, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2025

President Julie Kent, Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW)

FL NOW Condemns Trump Administration’s Rollback of Civil Rights Protections Scheduled for September 15, 2025 as Announced by the DOE

Orlando, FL — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) strongly condemns the Trump administration’s sweeping efforts to dismantle civil rights protections under Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504. These actions threaten decades of progress toward gender equity, racial justice, and disability rights, especially in Florida, where marginalized communities already face disproportionate harm.

Under Executive Order 14201, the administration has weaponized Title IX to target transgender youth and dismantle gender-conscious programs that address historic exclusion. Meanwhile, attempts to gut Title VI’s disparate impact protections would make it harder to challenge systemic racism in education, housing, and healthcare. Section 504, which safeguards the rights of people with disabilities, is now under legal attack—jeopardizing access and accommodations for millions.

These rules remove opportunities for girls and women, remove regulations that address accessible buildings and education, and remove regulations that address the discriminatory impacts of policies and practices that harm underserved communities, particularly communities of color. It is unprecedented and unacceptable to exploit an administrative procedure meant for uncontroversial or insignificant matters to eliminate civil rights protections in this manner.

“These rollbacks are not just bureaucratic tweaks—they are deliberate assaults on our communities,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW. “They undermine the very principles of equity and justice that these laws were designed to uphold. We will not stand by while our rights are stripped away.”

FL NOW calls on educators, advocates, and elected officials to reject these changes and defend the integrity of civil rights law in any way they can.

About FL NOW FL NOW is a grassroots feminist organization committed to advancing gender equity, racial justice, and systemic change across Florida. We advocate for policies that center marginalized voices and build resilient, values-driven movements.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408