NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 30, 2026Hillsborough
Analysis finds Florida jails rebooking immigrants to extend detention beyond 72-hour federal limit
A nationwide analysis reveals that two Florida jails are frequently rebooking immigrants to bypass federal regulations that typically limit detention to 72 hours. This practice has resulted in individuals being held for significantly longer periods, including one instance of a 26-day detention.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The practice of affects the duration of detention for immigrants in local custody and raises questions regarding compliance with federal detention standards.
Key Facts
- Two Florida jails were identified as having unusually high numbers of immigrant rebookings in the past year.
- Federal regulations generally limit the detention of immigrants in local jails to 72 hours.
- One individual was held in a local jail for a total of 26 days due to the rebooking practice.
- Legal experts characterize the rebooking process as an effort to circumvent federal rules and regulations.
Who's Mentioned
personDonald Trump“President during the period of increased detention durations.”organizationProPublica“News organization that analyzed the booking logs.”personSoumia Bensalah“An immigrant held in Pinellas County Jail who was rebooked five times.”personMarkwayne Mullin“Secretary of DHS.”locationPinellas County Jail“Facility identified as having high numbers of repeat rebookings.”organizationU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement“Federal agency for which the jails were holding detainees.”organizationDeportation Data Project“Source of federal immigration data used for analysis.”locationOrange County Jail“Facility in Orlando identified as having high numbers of repeat rebookings.”locationFlorida“Location of the jails identified in the analysis.”