Florida’s “Deportation Depot” Plan Converts Idle Prison Into Controversial Immigration Center
- Natalie Frank
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
With growing criticism of "Alligator Alcatraz," Gov. DeSantis moves to repurpose a closed state prison for detaining undocumented immigrants
Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D August 14 2025
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday they will be repurposing the former Baker Correctional Institution and turning it into Florida’s second immigration detention facility, now labeled the “Deportation Depot.” This decision comes as the state struggles with growing criticism of its first makeshift center in the Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz", which remains under judicial review for its harsh conditions and ecological impact.
Nestled about 45 miles west of Jacksonville, close to Osceola National Forest, the resurrected prison is slated to house between 1,300 and 2,000 detainees awaiting deportation. State officials point to existing infrastructure and proximity to Lake City Gateway Airport as key advantages. The estimated renovation cost—$6 million—is a mere fraction of the hundreds of millions poured into the Everglades facility.
During a news conference at the site, DeSantis emphasized efficiency and quick availability, saying that the facility “is not about indefinite holding. We want to process, stage, and return people to their country. That is the name of the game.” He added, “It’s not going to take forever, but we’re also not rushing to do it right this day.”
For those supporting strict border enforcement, DeSantis’s initiative represents a sensible and cost-effective solution. But human rights groups and environmentalists have expressed serious concern. Critics liken the "Deportation Depot" to a grim emblem of punitive policy, a symbol of dehumanized deportation.
In litigation currently under way, a federal judge is schedules to decide whether Alligator Alcatraz should be halted due to the extreme heat, lack of sanitation, and potential environmental damage. Supporters of the Everglades site, which includes state officials, may face increased legal and public scrutiny with the opening of this back-up facility.
Environmental groups remain cautiously optimistic that their lawsuit could force both facilities to face tough environmental assessments leading to the closure. Meanwhile, immigration advocates warn these detention centers could create increased fear and trauma among immigrant families across Florida, especially in the children.
Unlike the remote and ramshackle Alligator Alcatraz, which opened in July in the midst of legal and infrastructure chaos, Baker reportedly provides a more controlled setting with access to basic services. The state promises detainees will receive three meals a day, medical care, recreation, access to lawyers and clergy, and laundry services which would make it fully compliant with state and federal requirements. Critics have their doubts as to whether this would really occur.
National Guard units, supplemented by state contractors, will staff the facility. The rapid transformation of the Baker institution reflects an effort to increase alignment with federal priorities, in particular, the Trump administration’s push for stricter immigration enforcement. It also demonstrates the Florida governor’s avid interest in furthering political momentum on deportation policy.
With "Deportation Depot" read to soon open, both supporters and critics of the facility are preparing for the fallout. In particular they are keeping an eye on several factors including:
Legal Challenges: The federal court’s decision on Everglades facility operations may shape the fate of the Baker site.
Public Scrutiny: Civil rights advocates are demanding transparency, oversight, and humane treatment for those detained.
Long-Term Policy Impact: How these practices evolve could influence immigration enforcement beyond Florida’s borders, setting a precedent for other states.
Florida’s shift from focusing on a single, remote detention facility in the swamp to a repurposed prison called “Deportation Depot,” is eliciting significant debate, and legal pushback.
