From the Florida Highway Patrol, Staff Reports, and ChatGPT
A Friday morning traffic stop near Apopka High School resulted in five people being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the school was placed on a temporary secure hold, officials say.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers pulled over a vehicle around 6 a.m. near West Martin Street and Vick Road after suspecting it ran a stop sign. The driver complied, but four passengers fled on foot.
Related: “They Deserve to Be Home”: Apopka family pleads for the return of deported father and detained mother.
Because the stop occurred close to Apopka High School, local law enforcement placed the school on a temporary secure hold—a precaution where students remain in classrooms, staff secure entrances, and normal instructional activities continue.
Related: Unpacking Florida’s immigration trends − demographers take a closer look at the legal and undocumented population.
Troopers, aided by U.S. Border Patrol, conducted a search of the surrounding area. All four fleeing passengers were quickly located and detained, alongside the driver. In all, five individuals were taken and handed over to ICE.
Related: Fear and Resistance: Apopka immigrant communities navigate rising ICE activity, harsh laws, and economic fallout.
The secure hold was lifted shortly before 8 a.m., and school operations returned to normal.
FHP described the situation as resolved without incident and reported no injuries. The department has not yet released details regarding charges or criminal allegations beyond the immigration custody. All five are currently in ICE custody, though their identities, locations, or pending proceedings have not been disclosed.
Related: Advocates demand transparency after immigrants “disappear” from Orange County Jail records.
As of this report, ICE has not issued further information about the individuals detained, including whether formal removal proceedings have been initiated.
This developing story will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice when more details are known.
