News Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the opening of a new immigration detention facility called ‘Deportation Depot’ at the Baker Correctional Institution. With an initial capacity of 1,300 beds, expandable to 2,000, this facility aims to enhance immigration enforcement amid legal uncertainties surrounding the existing center, ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Despite criticisms regarding detention conditions, DeSantis emphasizes Florida’s commitment to immigration control. The project is budgeted at $6 million and expects to complete renovations in the next few weeks.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans to open a second immigration detention facility, named “Deportation Depot,” at the Baker Correctional Institution, located approximately 43 miles west of Jacksonville. This facility is expected to have an initial capacity of 1,300 beds, with the potential for expansion to 2,000 beds. The new center is being established as a federal judge reviews the future of the existing detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades, which may close due to ongoing legal issues.
The decision to create “Deportation Depot” comes amidst increasing pressures from the Trump administration to ramp up the detention and deportation of immigrants. Governor DeSantis emphasized that the facility reflects Florida’s serious commitment to immigration enforcement, further asserting that the state is leading the way in immigration control initiatives compared to others across the country. The estimated cost to establish the Deportation Depot is around $6 million, a figure significantly lower than that of building entirely new facilities in more isolated regions.
Construction on the new immigration detention facility is expected to be completed within the next two to three weeks. The Baker Correctional Institution was closed in 2021 due to staffing shortages and several setbacks within the prison system. Before it can reopen, renovations must include necessary upgrades such as air conditioning, as the current requirement for Florida prisons does not mandate this feature.
Staffing for the Deportation Depot will involve the Florida National Guard and state contractors, ensuring sufficient personnel for operations. Earlier, DeSantis had contemplated establishing the facility at Camp Blanding, a Florida National Guard training site; however, he ultimately chose Baker for its capacity and accessibility to a regional airport.
Despite potential improvements, detainees at the new Deportation Depot will have access to similar services provided at the Everglades center. This existing facility has faced considerable criticism over its conditions, including overcrowding, flooding, and poor health care measures. Numerous legal actions are currently in process regarding the treatment of individuals housed there, with civil rights attorneys raising alarms about the rights of detainees and their access to legal representation.
In a controversial move, the Florida Republican Party attempted to capitalize on the “Deportation Depot” branding by selling merchandise themed around the facility’s name. However, this merchandise was withdrawn when trademark issues arose with The Home Depot.
The introduction of the Deportation Depot is part of DeSantis’ broader agenda on immigration policy in Florida, reflecting an ongoing commitment to enhance the state’s role in federal immigration enforcement measures. As the dynamics of immigration continue to evolve, both the legal proceedings regarding the Alligator Alcatraz detention center and the opening of the Deportation Depot will be closely watched by advocates, legal experts, and political analysts alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN: Florida’s Deportation Depot
- AP News: Florida Immigration Detention Center
- Miami Herald: New Immigration Detention Plans
- The Guardian: Ron DeSantis’s Immigration Detention Facility
- NY Times: Florida Immigration Detention Updates
- Wikipedia: Immigration Detention in the United States
- Google Search: Florida Immigration Detention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Policy
- Google News: Florida Detention Facilities
- Google Scholar: DeSantis Immigration Policy
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
