SANDERSON, Fla. — Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration is preparing to open a second immigration detention facility at a state prison in north Florida, as a federal judge decides the fate of the state's holding center for immigrants at an isolated airstrip in the Florida Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz."
DeSantis announced Thursday that the new facility is to be housed at the Baker Correctional Institution, a state prison about 43 miles west of Jacksonville. It is expected to hold 1,300 immigration detention beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said.
WATCH BELOW: Gov. DeSantis announces new immigration detention facility
After opening the Everglades facility last month, DeSantis justified opening the second detention center, dubbed "Deportation Depot" by the state, by saying President Donald Trump's administration needs the additional capacity to hold and deport more immigrants.
"There is a demand for this," DeSantis said. "I'm confident it will be filled."
The governor said the Baker Correctional Institution was chosen over a proposed site at Camp Blanding because it offers "ready-made infrastructure" and will require far less work to bring online.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the state has secured a $600+ million federal grant to reimburse the costs of both facilities. He estimated it will take about two weeks to ready the correctional institution for the new operation.
The announcement comes as "Alligator Alcatraz" faces multiple legal challenges — including a pause in construction ordered earlier this month by a federal judge. The site can continue holding detainees, but for two weeks, no paving, filling or other infrastructure work is allowed.
Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who sued in June, argue the facility threatens sensitive wetlands and violates federal environmental law. The court is still weighing a longer-term injunction.
At the same time, Democratic lawmakers are suing to enforce their right to make unannounced inspections at state detention centers after being denied entry to the Everglades facility in July. They've cited state law and a 2024 emergency order promising transparency.
DeSantis has called that lawsuit "frivolous" and accused Democrats of "posturing politically." It comes as lawmakers and immigration advocates have alleged poor medical care, extreme heat, and inadequate access to voluntary return options at "Alligator Alcatraz" — claims the state strongly denies, saying the facility meets "higher standards than most prisons."
Read more of WPTV's coverage of "Alligator Alcatraz" below:
State
Judge considers whether Everglades detention center violates environmental law
State
Judge temporarily halts construction of 'Alligator Alcatraz'
State
The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida wants to join lawsuit against Alligator Alcatraz
State
DeSantis admin left county officials in the dark as detention facility built
State
The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida wants to join lawsuit against Alligator Alcatraz
Miami-Dade
Florida Democrats condemn 'Alligator Alcatraz' conditions after tour
Miami-Dade
Worms in food and wastewater on floor, say detainees at Everglades facility
State
New lawsuit filed after state lawmakers denied access to Everglades facility
Miami-Dade
Attorney says client had no access to running water at Alligator Alcatraz
Miami-Dade
Detainees allege inhumane conditions at Everglades detention center
State
'Alligator Alcatraz' 2.0: Second detention center planned in Florida Everglades
National Politics
First immigration detainees arrive at 'Alligator Alcatraz' center in Florida
Miami-Dade
President Trump visits 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center
Miami-Dade
