ORLANDO, Fla. (RTW News) — Florida is awaiting approval from federal authorities to establish a third immigration detention center just after building the facilities known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ and ‘Deportation Depot.’ Governor Ron DeSantis made the announcement during a recent press conference, indicating plans for the center located in the Panhandle.
“Once it’s approved, we will be ready to open,” DeSantis stated. He expressed confidence that federal officials would agree to the plan, citing a need for increased detention capacity. Meanwhile, the state is also exploring a potential facility in South Florida to further expand its immigration enforcement resources.
DeSantis’s office has not yet disclosed specific locations for the planned facilities pending federal approval. His press secretary, Molly Best, emphasized that details would become available once approvals are finalized.
The governor highlighted the state’s collaboration with federal law enforcement, reporting a total of 20,000 arrests in connection with immigration enforcement initiatives over the past year. Under this initiative, 63% of those arrested had prior criminal convictions.
However, stark criticism exists regarding the conditions in the existing facilities. Detainee advocates have described the environment at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as deplorable, citing issues such as flooding and pressure on detainees to sign removal orders without legal counsel brandishing their rights.
Legal actions are underway against the state’s practices, with three lawsuits addressing the conditions and advocating for the closure of the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facility. One lawsuit contests the authority of Florida agencies to manage the center, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Another seeks to protect detainee access to legal counsel.
As these developments unfold, other states may look to Florida’s approach as a model for expanding immigration detention capacity amid the ongoing national debate on immigration enforcement.
