Florida Opens 'Deportation Depot' Immigration Detention Center in Baker County

New Immigration Detention Facility

• 📍 Florida is opening a new immigration detention processing and deportation facility named the "Deportation Depot" at Baker Correctional Institution in North Florida.
• 🎯 This facility aims to process, stage, and return illegal aliens to their home countries, complementing the existing "Alligator Alcatraz" facility.
• 🔑 The "Deportation Depot" will have a capacity to hold over 1300 detainees, with the ability to expand to approximately 2000 with temporary dormitories.
• 🏥 Services will include three meals a day, 24/7 medical facilities and pharmacy, legal and clergy support, and recreation yards, meeting federal and state detention standards.

State's Role in Immigration Enforcement

• ⚡ Florida has taken significant steps to support immigration enforcement, including requiring all state and local law enforcement to participate in ICE operations.
• 🚀 The state has previously launched Operation Vigilant Sentry, interdicting 18,000 illegal aliens at sea, and has transported individuals to sanctuary jurisdictions.
• ⚖️ Legislation has been enacted to ban sanctuary cities and repeal in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants.
• 🤝 Florida has established 287g agreements with state agencies to formalize relationships and conduct immigration enforcement operations.

Rationale and Capacity

• ⚠️ The new facility addresses the need for additional capacity as DHS indicated they were apprehending illegal aliens faster than they could process and deport them.
• 💰 The cost for setting up the Baker Correctional facility is approximately $6 million, significantly less than previous facilities due to existing infrastructure, with expenses to be reimbursed by federal partners.
• ✈️ Proximity to the Lake City Airport, just 15 minutes away, facilitates the transportation of detainees back to their home countries.

Impact and Federal Partnership

• 🤝 President Trump and Secretary Mayorkas have recognized Florida as the best and most effective partner for the federal government in mass deportation efforts.
• 🗺️ Florida has developed a "Florida Blueprint" for immigration enforcement, which other states are encouraged to adopt.
• 📈 The opening of "Deportation Depot" is expected to increase voluntary departures as individuals are aware that immigration laws will be enforced.

National Guard Support

• 🚁 The Florida National Guard is providing aviation and ground support for immigration enforcement, including aerial surveillance, interdicting migrants, transporting detainees, and providing security at detention facilities.
• 🛡️ Additional guardsmen are being activated to support administrative and logistic needs at ICE facilities across Florida.