New Immigration Detention Facility Opens in Florida

The second immigration detention facility in Florida, known as the Deportation Bureau, opened its doors on Tuesday. Reports indicate that there are currently 117 detainees housed there, though the facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,500 individuals.

Officials from the DeSantis administration provided images of the new facility located at the Baker Correctional Facility. This site is distinct from Wannial Cutras, as it utilizes previously unused sections of the Baker Campus, which helped save millions of dollars by leveraging existing infrastructure.

This development comes shortly after Governor Ron DeSantis announced the approval for the new facility last month. He described the facility as a “deportation depot,” emphasizing its importance in managing illegal immigration.

During the announcement, DeSantis remarked, “It’s not going to take forever, but we’re not trying to rush this. We want to ensure everything is done properly and efficiently.” His confidence in the efforts was echoed by Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of emergency management in Florida, who highlighted the facility’s role in maintaining law and order and ensuring safety for Florida families.

Guthrie noted that the facility is a permanent structure, which allows for a smooth operational setup. Meanwhile, this development coincides with the 11th Circuit’s decision to uphold a lower court ruling regarding the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility, allowing it to continue its operations amidst ongoing legal discussions.