POLITICS

Florida Seeks Approval For Third Immigration Detention Center

PUBLISHED Jan 5, 2026, 2:36 PM ET

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Florida Seeks Approval For Third Immigration Detention Center

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 71%

Right 29%

Sources: 7

ORLANDO, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis said Monday Florida is awaiting Department of Homeland Security approval to open a third immigration detention center in the Panhandle and is considering a fourth. Officials constructed a remote South Florida site called Alligator Alcatraz and use Baker Correctional Institution, dubbed Deportation Depot, to process detainees. Since April, joint state-federal Operation Tidal Wave has resulted in more than 10,000 detentions and about 3,000 deportations, according to officials. All 67 counties have 287(g) agreements enabling local arrests. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

April 2025: Florida and ICE launch Operation Tidal Wave, a joint enforcement operation.
Mid-2025: State law enforcement arrest thousands across counties under 287(g) agreements.
Late 2025: State constructs remote South Florida site ('Alligator Alcatraz') and uses Baker Correctional as 'Deportation Depot.'
Early January 2026: Officials report more than 10,000 detentions and roughly 3,000 deportations.
Early January 2026: Governor DeSantis announces the state is awaiting DHS approval for a third Panhandle detention center.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 71%, Right 29%

Who Benefited

Florida state officials and law enforcement benefited by expanding detention capacity, increasing transfers to ICE, and consolidating operational control over immigration enforcement.

Who Impacted

Undocumented immigrants and their families suffered increased arrests, detention, deportation proceedings, and heightened legal and community disruption.