In a move spearheaded by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida is set to construct a second immigration detention center, this time in the state's northern region. The planned facility will be located at Camp Blanding, a National Guard training site approximately 27 miles from Jacksonville.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that at least one contract has already been awarded for setting up a weather station and alert sirens, affirming Florida's plans to expand its immigration infrastructure. Tentatively named the "North Detention Facility," this center would join the controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Everglades, which has operated since July 1 and faced numerous complaints from civil rights and environmental groups.
Concerns have been raised by detainees at the first center regarding inadequate food, poor medical care, lack of legal representation, and detentions without charges or access to immigration courts. Despite these issues, both former President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have praised the detention model as a potential blueprint for future state facilities.
Governor DeSantis recently stated that Florida is "ready, willing, and able" to ramp up deportations, although he tied the complete opening of the new center to an increased pace of expulsions from the state's southern region. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), which was responsible for the first center's construction, released a heavily redacted draft of the facility's evacuation plan. Entire sections regarding the relocation and transportation of detainees were concealed under a state law that allows emergency plans to remain confidential.
Facing criticism over transparency, FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie defended the facility's safety, stating it is designed to withstand Category 2 hurricanes. Governor DeSantis has continued to push for stricter immigration measures, advocating for new detention facilities despite the controversies surrounding "Alligator Alcatraz" and allegations of abuse and poor conditions.
The state administration argues that the new center is necessary to "absorb the overflow" of detainees while expediting deportations. The model is defended as allowing for more efficient control, although civil rights organizations have voiced concerns over the lack of basic legal protections for detainees.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has announced plans to build five additional megacenters nationwide if he returns to power, aligning his vision with DeSantis. Both leaders view this network of centers as a cornerstone of their immigration policies, despite criticisms of their potentially punitive nature.
In support of these initiatives, Congress has approved a funding package of $608 million for immigration infrastructure, aimed at enhancing existing facilities and creating new detention spaces. This move is seen as a reinforcement of border control on a national scale. Furthermore, the federal government has confirmed the expansion of military bases for immigration purposes in states such as New York and California, suggesting a comprehensive strategy where military installations serve parallel functions to civilian centers amid growing concerns over the legality and transparency of these practices.
Key Questions About Florida's New Immigration Detention Center
What is the location of Florida's proposed second immigration detention center?
The new facility is planned to be built at Camp Blanding, a National Guard training site about 27 miles from Jacksonville, in northern Florida.
Why is the new detention center being constructed?
Authorities describe the new center as necessary to handle the overflow of detainees and to expedite deportations, despite ongoing controversies regarding the conditions and management of the existing facility.
What criticisms have been raised about the current detention model in Florida?
The existing model has faced criticism for inadequate food, poor medical care, lack of legal representation, and detentions without charges or access to courts, as reported by civil rights groups.