It’s not easy to catch President Trump off guard. But Ron DeSantis is one of the few who can.
Because Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a rogue decision that took everyone by surprise.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is ramping up the fight against illegal immigration with the launch of a second state-run detention center, signaling strong backing for President Trump’s border enforcement agenda. The new facility, named “Deportation Depot,” will transform the Baker Correctional Institution—located about 40 miles west of Jacksonville—into a holding site for over 1,000 migrants awaiting deportation.
State officials project the center could accommodate up to 1,300 beds initially, with potential for expansion as deportation operations intensify under the Trump administration. This move comes hot on the heels of the recent opening of “Alligator Alcatraz,” a remote detention camp buried in the Florida Everglades designed to deter escapes and bolster federal efforts.
“We’re taking yet another step in supporting the important mission that President Trump was elected to implement, securing the border, enforcing immigration laws and removing illegal aliens who are in our society now and sending them back to their home country,” DeSantis declared at a press conference.
Florida stands out as a leader in this crackdown, with laws requiring local police to work hand-in-hand with ICE agents to root out illegal entrants.
“We have done more on this than any other state by a country mile,” the governor stated, pointing to measures that block sanctuary policies and prioritize American safety. The federal government has agreed to cover Florida’s expenses for running the depot, ensuring taxpayers aren’t left holding the bag for securing the nation’s borders.
Both facilities aim to provide critical jail space for ICE as arrests of illegal migrants surge amid Trump’s renewed deportation push. “That is the name of the game,” DeSantis emphasized, noting the urgency of expelling those who break immigration laws.
The governor noted swift action by the state’s emergency management team to get the site operational without unnecessary delays. “This is something that the Division of Emergency Management worked very quickly on,” he said. “This will be operational soon. It’s not going to take forever, but we’re also not rushing to do it right this day.”
The concept for Alligator Alcatraz originated with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier last June, who highlighted the Everglades’ natural barriers as perfect for containing detainees.
Spanning 1.5 million acres of swampy terrain teeming with over 200,000 alligators, the location makes any breakout attempt a fool’s errand, and deportation flights from the site are already in full swing.
Despite legal hurdles from liberal environmental groups trying to block the project, DeSantis has pushed forward, estimating annual costs around $450 million for up to 5,000 beds to aid federal immigration crackdowns.
Indiana has followed suit with its own “Speedway Slammer” at the Miami Correctional Center, adding 1,000 beds in partnership with Trump officials to expand detention capacity nationwide.
DeSantis’ aggressive stance on immigration has drawn widespread praise from conservative voices, who see him as a key ally in Trump’s mission to restore law and order at the border. Online discussions highlight strong support among America First advocates, with commentators applauding Florida’s leadership in deputizing state troopers for federal enforcement and urging other Republican governors to step up.
Polls and public sentiment in conservative circles show enthusiasm for these facilities, framing them as essential tools to combat the chaos from open borders under previous administrations.
DeSantis’ efforts, including opposition to amnesty and high-skilled visa expansions, have positioned Florida as the vanguard in Trump’s deportation drive, earning nods from those demanding real action on immigration reform.
Local reports from Southwest Florida indicate residents are rallying behind the governor’s tough policies, viewing them as a direct response to federal failures that have burdened communities.
