Florida has announced a second immigration detention facility as lawsuits, protests, and federal scrutiny mount over the Everglades site known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
At a Glance
- New “Deportation Depot” to open in Sanderson, north Florida
- Alligator Alcatraz facing environmental and civil rights lawsuits
- First facility accused of poor living conditions and rights violations
- Baker Correctional Institution site to hold 1,300–2,000 detainees
- Officials say second site will be cheaper and faster to operate
Everglades Controversy
The Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Big Cypress Preserve was converted into a high-capacity immigration detention site in summer 2025. Surrounded by swampland and wildlife, the facility—nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”—was designed to house up to 5,000 detainees. Its construction, costing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to operate, has been criticized for bypassing environmental review and for reported inhumane conditions.
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Multiple lawsuits have been filed. The Miccosukee Tribe and environmental groups allege violations of federal environmental law, citing harm to endangered species habitats. A separate civil rights case challenges reported coercion of detainees to sign deportation orders and the lack of access to legal counsel. A federal judge ordered a temporary halt to further construction pending review.
Conditions and Protests
Reports from detainees describe overcrowded tents, poor sanitation, maggots in food, and limited access to clean water. Medical care has been called inadequate, with allegations of untreated illnesses. In late July, a hunger strike began among detainees, drawing further attention to the facility’s conditions. Federal oversight teams have since inspected the site, though findings have not been fully released.
Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that hundreds have already been deported from Alligator Alcatraz, including at least 100 confirmed removals. He has defended the facility’s role in supporting federal deportation efforts, while dismissing many criticisms as politically motivated.
Second Site Launch
On August 14, 2025, DeSantis announced the opening of a second detention site at the former Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, north Florida. Dubbed the “Deportation Depot,” the facility will initially hold around 1,300 detainees, with expansion potential to 2,000. Officials estimate setup costs at $6 million, significantly less than the Everglades site.
The location’s proximity to Lake City Airport will allow rapid detainee transfers. Plans include indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, on-site medical care, and three meals daily. State officials say the new site will help relieve pressure on Alligator Alcatraz and provide a more cost-efficient model for future expansion.
Looking Ahead
While the Deportation Depot is being positioned as a more streamlined alternative, advocates warn that without strong oversight, similar conditions could emerge. The ongoing lawsuits against Alligator Alcatraz may also influence operational standards for the new site. Both facilities are part of an intensified deportation strategy under the Trump administration, and their operations will likely remain a flashpoint in Florida’s immigration policy debate.
