Florida has announced the opening of a new immigration detention facility dubbed the “Deportation Depot,” aiming to replace its embattled Everglades site with a converted prison near Jacksonville.

At a Glance

• Florida converting Baker Correctional Institution into a detention center
• Facility will initially house 1,300 people, expandable to 2,000
• Opens as “Alligator Alcatraz” faces court-ordered shutdown
• Judge cited environmental and human rights violations at Everglades site

From Alcatraz to Depot

Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled the new plan on August 14, 2025, confirming that the former Baker Correctional Institution would be repurposed to process migrants quickly for deportation. The initial setup will include 1,300 beds, with capacity to expand to 2,000. State officials stressed that this facility will function as a staging ground rather than long-term housing, streamlining deportation logistics and avoiding the environmental sensitivities that plagued the first attempt in the Everglades.

Watch: Florida to open ‘Deportation Depot’ immigration detention center

The announcement comes on the heels of mounting legal and political turmoil surrounding the first facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Located deep in the Everglades, that site faced swift backlash from environmental groups, Indigenous leaders, and immigrant advocates.

Legal and Environmental Fallout

On August 21, a federal judge ordered “Alligator Alcatraz” dismantled within 60 days. The ruling cited violations of environmental law, risks to endangered species, and intrusion onto Indigenous territories. The decision halted new transfers into the Everglades site and accelerated Florida’s search for a replacement.

Alongside ecological concerns, detainees described severe conditions: extreme heat, unsanitary dormitories, limited medical care, and coerced deportation signatures without adequate legal counsel. Rights groups including the ACLU argued these conditions violated federal standards and basic protections.

Political Calculus

By choosing a closed state prison in a less environmentally sensitive area, DeSantis signaled both persistence and pragmatism. The Baker site avoids Everglades controversies while still advancing a policy of rapid detention and deportation. Supporters argue it strengthens state sovereignty in immigration enforcement, while opponents warn it perpetuates humanitarian risks under a new name.

Florida’s pivot from “Alligator Alcatraz” to “Deportation Depot” reflects both political resilience and ongoing contention over the state’s role in immigration. Whether this new facility stabilizes policy or ignites further litigation remains uncertain.

Sources

CNN
Reuters
The Guardian
Washington Post
YouTube