Florida Seeks Approval For Third Immigration Detention Center
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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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. April 2025: Florida and ICE launch Operation Tidal Wave, a joint enforcement operation.
- 2. Mid-2025: State law enforcement arrest thousands across counties under 287(g) agreements.
- 3. Late 2025: State constructs remote South Florida site ('Alligator Alcatraz') and uses Baker Correctional as 'Deportation Depot.'
- 4. Early January 2026: Officials report more than 10,000 detentions and roughly 3,000 deportations.
- 5. Early January 2026: Governor DeSantis announces the state is awaiting DHS approval for a third Panhandle detention center.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
