This Saturday, Florida's Republican Party withdrew a collection of t-shirts, hats, and other deportation-themed items after Home Depot objected to the use of a logo resembling its own. According to the Miami Herald, the merchandise, branded as "The Deport Depot," was inspired by the newly unveiled immigrant detention center introduced by Governor Ron DeSantis this week and named "Deportation Depot."
The items featured Home Depot's iconic orange box and font, prompting a formal complaint from the company. Home Depot's spokesperson, Beth Marlowe, informed the Herald that the company did not authorize the use of its branding and had already contacted the political organization to address the issue. Although the merchandise remained available online Saturday afternoon, it was removed a few hours later, along with social media posts promoting it.
This initiative was part of the party's fundraising efforts through products linked to the state's immigration policies. Previously, following the inauguration of the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in the Everglades, commemorative t-shirts, pins, and other items were released at $30 each.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday the launch of a second immigrant detention center at a northern Florida state prison, known as "Deportation Depot," located at the Baker Correctional Institution, approximately 43 miles west of Jacksonville. Initially, the new center will offer 1,300 beds for detainees, with the potential to expand to 2,000. The governor emphasized that the estimated cost of adapting the facility would be $6 million, significantly less than the Everglades center's budget, which exceeds $245 million.
Key Questions About Florida's Immigration Policies
Why did Home Depot protest against the merchandise?
Home Depot filed a complaint because the merchandise used a logo similar to theirs without authorization, which could mislead consumers into thinking the company endorsed the products.
What is the purpose of the "Deportation Depot" initiative?
The "Deportation Depot" initiative aims to expand the state's infrastructure for detaining immigrants, aligning with Governor Ron DeSantis's immigration policies and efforts to manage immigration more strictly in Florida.
How is the new detention center in northern Florida different from the Everglades center?
The new center, located in Baker Correctional Institution, is initially smaller with 1,300 beds but can expand to 2,000. Its adaptation costs are significantly lower, estimated at $6 million, compared to over $245 million for the Everglades center.