Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, working alongside President Donald Trump’s America First immigration agenda, has announced the opening of a second state-run immigration detention center—quickly earning the name “Deportation Depot.”
The new facility will be located at the Baker Correctional Institution, about 40 miles west of Jacksonville. It will initially have 1,300 beds dedicated to holding illegal immigrants awaiting deportation, with the capacity to expand to 2,000 beds as needed.
DeSantis says the expansion is critical to Florida’s fight against illegal immigration, noting that the demand for detention space under Trump’s strengthened enforcement policies is at an all-time high.
“There is a demand for this, and I’m confident it will be filled,” DeSantis declared.
A Model for Other States
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised Florida’s move, calling it a “model” for Republican-led states nationwide that want to protect their citizens and end the flood of illegal crossings.
Unlike building a new facility from scratch, Florida is repurposing an existing prison, keeping taxpayer costs low. The estimated build-out cost is just $6 million—a fraction of the hundreds of millions spent on the Everglades facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Fast Turnaround, Strong Security
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the Baker site could be operational in as little as three weeks. Staffing will come from the Florida National Guard and private contractors to ensure maximum readiness and security.
DeSantis had initially considered Camp Blanding for the second site but ultimately chose Baker for its proximity to a regional airport—making it easier to coordinate direct deportation flights.
Left-Wing Pushback Intensifies
Florida’s first immigration detention site, Alligator Alcatraz, has been under attack from left-wing activist lawyers who claim the facility has “poor conditions” and limits detainee access to legal counsel. Their legal complaints will soon face a critical hearing before U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz.
But DeSantis is unmoved by the criticism. “We will not allow Florida to become a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants,” he said. “This is about enforcing the law and protecting our people.”
America First Immigration Crackdown
This latest move cements Florida’s role as a national leader in immigration enforcement. With more detention space, faster processing, and direct deportation capability, DeSantis and Trump are delivering exactly what they promised—law, order, and border security.