Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled plans for a second state-run immigration jail, dubbed the “Deportation Depot,” to be housed in the shuttered Baker Correctional Institution. The announcement comes as a federal judge weighs the fate of “Alligator Alcatraz,” a controversial Everglades detention center accused of unsafe and inhumane conditions. While DeSantis touts the new site as a ready-made solution, critics warn the legal storm surrounding the first facility could engulf the second.
Background on Baker Facility
Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, Florida, was closed in 2021 after numerous reports of excessive violence and abuse by guards. DeSantis said its unused infrastructure made it an ideal choice for the new center, with capacity for up to 1,300 undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation. “There’s a massive part here at Baker that isn’t being used. It’s ready-made infrastructure,” he said at the press conference.
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Governor’s Timeline and Priorities
Although no official opening date was provided, DeSantis insisted the facility would be operational soon. “We’re not rushing to do it right this day, but they’re doing what they need to do to get it done with all deliberate speed,” he said, calling it “a priority for the people of this state” and the country.
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Everglades Jail Under Fire
The six-week-old “Alligator Alcatraz” facility has faced allegations of “inhumane” conditions, including detainees in excessive heat, broken toilets and air conditioning, inadequate food, and a recent outbreak of a respiratory virus. District Judge Kathleen Williams has already issued a two-week restraining order halting new construction there, set to expire on August 21.
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Environmental and Legal Challenge
Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, claim the Everglades camp causes irreversible harm to sensitive wetlands. “We’re feeling hopeful that the strong case we’ve made over the last few days will move the court to pump the brakes on this dangerous detention center,” said attorney Elise Bennett. Judge Williams is expected to decide soon whether to renew the order.
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State’s Immigration Stance
DeSantis emphasized Florida’s aggressive role in immigration enforcement, highlighting previous measures such as banning sanctuary cities and requiring law enforcement cooperation with ICE. “We have done more on this than any other state by a country mile,” he said, framing the Baker facility as part of a broader mission to “process and return illegal aliens to their home country.”
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Why Baker Over Camp Blanding
DeSantis said he initially considered Camp Blanding, a military training base west of Jacksonville, but found Baker more suitable due to its size, self-contained infrastructure, and proximity to Lake City airport with a longer runway. “The reason is not to house people indefinitely; we want to process and return illegal aliens to their home country. That is the name of the game,” he stated.