Florida is awaiting federal approval to open a third immigration detention center and is exploring the possibility of a fourth facility, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis said Monday that state officials are waiting for the Department of Homeland Security to authorize a new detention center planned for Florida’s Panhandle. The governor made the remarks during a news conference outside Florida’s second state-supported immigration detention facility, known as “Deportation Depot,” located at the former Baker Correctional Institution in northeast Florida.
“If they approve, we will open,” DeSantis said. “If they don’t, then we will stand by. But I think it should be approved since I don’t think they’re where they need to be on detention space.”
DeSantis also said state officials are considering an additional site in South Florida, where Florida previously constructed an immigration detention center at a remote airstrip in the Everglades, commonly referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
When asked to provide details on the proposed locations, DeSantis press secretary Molly Best said the Panhandle site will be announced once federal approval is granted. She said no further information would be released until both the Panhandle and potential South Florida facilities are approved and finalized.
The governor cited recent enforcement figures as justification for expanding detention capacity. DeSantis said approximately 10,000 illegal immigrants were arrested in Florida over the past year through a state initiative conducted with federal law enforcement, with an additional 10,000 arrests made by local agencies. He said 63% of those arrested under the state initiative had a prior criminal arrest or conviction.
Florida has moved more aggressively than other states to build detention infrastructure in support of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. DeSantis said additional detention space is needed to hold individuals pending removal proceedings. The Trump administration has publicly praised Republican-led states that have expanded detention capacity, describing Florida’s approach as a model for state-federal cooperation.
Legal challenges remain ongoing at the Everglades facility. Attorneys representing detainees have filed lawsuits alleging poor living conditions and improper pressure to sign voluntary removal orders. Additional suits argue that Florida lacks authority to operate the facility and that detainees’ access to legal counsel has been restricted.
In a separate case, a federal judge previously ordered the Everglades facility to wind down operations due to environmental review issues. That ruling has since been paused by a federal appeals court, allowing the detention center to remain open while litigation continues.
