Florida has taken a significant step in its immigration enforcement efforts with the opening of its second detention facility, aptly named the Deportation Depot.
Located at the Baker Correctional Institution, this facility welcomed its first detainees on Tuesday, with reports confirming that 117 individuals are currently housed there. The site, which can accommodate up to 1,500 detainees, represents a strategic move by the DeSantis administration to bolster the state's immigration control measures.
As reported by Breitbart, the decision to utilize a portion of the Baker campus was driven by practical considerations. The existing infrastructure at Baker Correctional Institution allowed the state to save millions of dollars, making it a more viable option compared to other potential sites, such as Camp Blanding.
This development follows Governor Ron DeSantis's announcement less than a month ago, where he revealed plans for this new facility. "So Im here to announce today that we are authorizing and will be soon be opening this new illegal immigration detention processing and deportation facility here in North Florida. We are calling this the Deportation Depot," DeSantis stated during the announcement.
Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting its role in maintaining law and order in Florida.
"Its not going to take forever, but were also not rushing to do it right this day. Theyre doing what they need to do to get it done in all deliberate speed. So Im proud of them for their work. Florida is making a difference. This is a priority for the people of our state. Its a priority for the people of this country. And I dont want to see any more Angel Moms in Florida because the laws werent being enforced," he remarked during a press conference.
Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provided further details on the facility's specifications, noting its special housing units, a 12-foot chain-link fence with razor-ribbon wire, and services that "meet or exceed the federal or state detention standard."
Guthrie also underscored the facility's readiness, stating, "This facility is a permanent pre-existing structure, meaning that our teams can get in here [and] get it operational quickly, officially, and without delay." This swift operational capability aligns with the governor's mission to ensure the safety of Florida families and uphold the state's commitment to law and order.
The opening of the Deportation Depot coincides with a legal victory for Florida in its efforts to maintain the operation of the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in the Florida Everglades. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals recently stayed a lower court ruling against the states Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility, allowing it to continue its operations for the time being. T
his development underscores Florida's ongoing commitment to addressing immigration challenges and enforcing existing laws to protect its citizens.
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