Florida is expecting to receive federal approval to open a third immigration detention center after the controversial establishments known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot”. Governor Ron DeSantis shared this update during a conference held outside the state’s second immigration facility located in the northeast, stating, “If they approve, we will open.” He expressed confidence in the necessity of increased detention capacity amid a surge in illegal immigration.
The state has already constructed two facilities: the one in the Everglades—a remote airstrip facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz”—and another at the former Baker Correctional Institution known as “Deportation Depot”. DeSantis noted there’s also a possibility for a fourth center in South Florida.
“Until this and the proposed additional South Florida location have been approved and finalized, we are unable to provide additional details,” said DeSantis's press secretary Molly Best in a statement.
Over the past year, there have been about 20,000 arrests related to illegal immigration in Florida, with 63% of individuals taken into custody having prior criminal records. These measures align with the Trump administration's larger immigration strategy aimed at improving enforcement capability among states.
However, these actions are not without controversy. Attorneys for detainees have reported deplorable conditions in current facilities, claiming instances of inadequate shelter, threats to sign away rights, and limited access to legal counsel amid ongoing federal lawsuits challenging the operations of the Everglades center.
A previous federal ruling ordered the closure of the facility over environmental concerns, yet a subsequent appellate decision allowed it to remain operational. As Florida navigates these complex legal and operational challenges, the push for this third center reflects a broader trend in state-driven immigration enforcement amid federal policy shifts.
