A Cuban woman, who recently gave birth, has spoken out about her husband being taken to Florida's newly established deportation center, dubbed the "Deportation Depot," just a week after their child was born. The woman, residing in the southern part of the state and wishing to remain anonymous, shared with News4JAX that her husband was apprehended in Broward and transferred this week to the former Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, now the site of the new immigration facility promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis.
"They were the first to enter. There was no one else before them," she stated. The woman expressed her inability to communicate with him or confirm his whereabouts officially: "Every time I call, they tell me he's not in the system, and I don't know how to let him meet his baby."
This account highlights the uncertainty and distress faced by numerous Cuban families in Florida, caught in the crossfire of a state policy that adopts a stern approach towards undocumented immigrants. She also mentioned the lack of clear information from the authorities on how to reach her husband within the center. "I've sent emails, made phone calls, visited in person, and no one gives me answers. All I know is he was taken from Broward and is in custody," she explained.
"If he's deported, I won't know where or what's happening because the system isn't functioning," the woman lamented. She admitted she is currently facing motherhood alone and that "it's been extremely challenging in every way." "I need my husband. My baby needs his dad," she added.
The Controversial "Deportation Depot"
According to a CNN report, the "Deportation Depot" opened its doors with 117 detainees and has the capacity to house up to 1,500 individuals. The facility is located about 45 miles west of Jacksonville, in the premises of the temporarily closed Baker state prison, now repurposed for immigration use.
The center's opening occurred just days after an appellate court suspended a federal order aimed at closing the equally controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in the Everglades. Governor DeSantis justified the opening by stating that the location, near the Lake City airport, is "ideal for quickly deporting illegal aliens." He also hinted at plans for a third center in the state's northwest region, nicknamed "Panhandle Pokey."
FAQs on Florida's Immigration Detention Centers
What is the "Deportation Depot"?
The "Deportation Depot" is a newly established immigration detention center in Sanderson, Florida, designed to hold individuals awaiting deportation. It is located at the site of the former Baker Correctional Institution.
Why was the "Deportation Depot" opened?
The center was opened as part of Governor Ron DeSantis's initiative to enforce stricter immigration policies, providing a location for detaining and processing undocumented immigrants for deportation.
What challenges do families face with loved ones detained?
Families often struggle with a lack of communication and clarity regarding the status and location of their detained relatives, leading to significant emotional distress and uncertainty.