Florida Expands Immigration Detention Capacity with New "Deportation Depot"
Florida plans to launch a second immigration detention facility, colloquially referred to as the 'Deportation Depot'.
Florida is increasing its immigration detention facilities, with the latest addition being the "Deportation Depot" at the Baker Correctional Institution. This move comes as a response to the needs of President Trump's administration to hold and deport more immigrants.
The Deportation Depot at the Baker Correctional Institution
The Baker Correctional Institution, a former state prison, has been repurposed as a state-run immigration detention center. Dubbed the "Deportation Depot," the facility is initially designed to hold 1,300 detainees, with potential expansion to accommodate 2,000 [1][3]. The initial setup costs are estimated at $6 million, with the federal government set to reimburse Florida for these expenses [1][3].
The decision to convert the facility has raised concerns among local residents regarding safety and the impact on the community [3].
The Everglades Facility ("Alligator Alcatraz")
The Everglades facility, often referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz," has been a source of controversy. It was controversially opened to house immigration detainees and designed to hold up to 3,000 people. However, conditions have been criticized for being harsh and inhumane [4].
Following a court order, operations at the Everglades facility are being wound down. The state has filed an appeal, and the case remains ongoing [2][4].
Current Status
The new immigration detention center at the Baker Correctional Institution is expected to be filled [5]. DeSantis expressed confidence that there is a demand for the new facility [6].
Meanwhile, the Everglades facility's operations are being scaled back, with the fate of the facility still undecided [2][4].
In conclusion, Florida's immigration detention strategy involves expanding capacity while facing legal and social challenges, particularly in relation to the conditions at these facilities. The new "Deportation Depot" at the Baker Correctional Institution is a significant addition to Florida's immigration detention system.
[1] Florida Politics. (2021, August 20). Florida's Baker Correctional Institution to become new immigration detention center. Retrieved from https://floridapolitics.com/archives/403788-floridas-baker-correctional-institution-to-become-new-immigration-detention-center
[2] Miami Herald. (2021, September 2). Judge orders Florida to wind down immigration detention center in Everglades. Retrieved from https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article254063788.html
[3] WJCT News. (2021, August 25). Baker Correctional Institution to become state-run immigration detention center. Retrieved from https://www.wjct.org/npr/2021-08-25/baker-correctional-institution-to-become-state-run-immigration-detention-center
[4] ACLU of Florida. (2021, August 31). Court orders Florida to wind down immigration detention centre operations at the Everglades. Retrieved from https://www.aclufl.org/en/press-releases/court-orders-florida-to-wind-down-immigration-detention-center-operations-at-the
[5] Florida Politics. (2021, September 1). DeSantis confident new immigration detention center will be filled. Retrieved from https://floridapolitics.com/archives/403792-desantis-confident-new-immigration-detention-center-will-be-filled
[6] Florida Politics. (2021, September 1). DeSantis plans to open second immigration detention facility. Retrieved from https://floridapolitics.com/archives/403789-desantis-plans-to-open-second-immigration-detention-facility
The expansion of Florida's immigration detention capacity includes the creation of the "Deportation Depot" at the Baker Correctional Institution, which is expected to hold up to 2,000 immigrants. This adjustment in policy-and-legislation reflects the needs of the President Trump's administration to detain and deport more immigrants, forming part of the politics surrounding general-news issues. Furthermore, the Everglades facility, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," faces ongoing legal battles due to claims of harsh and inhumane conditions, demonstrating the societal concerns and ongoing debates related to immigration detention centers.
