Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is proving once again that when leaders actually enforce the law, results follow. In a Thursday press conference, the governor announced the launch of a new facility dubbed the “Deportation Depot,” building on the roaring success of “Alligator Alcatraz,” the state’s hardline detention center designed to process and remove illegal immigrants.
Since the opening of Alligator Alcatraz, the state has seen a major spike in voluntary departures, as illegal aliens realize Florida is serious about law enforcement and the days of catch-and-release are over.
“Since the opening of Alligator Alcatraz, we have seen an increase in the number of illegal aliens who are taking the voluntary departure,” DeSantis explained. “They get on a supervised flight back to their home country, and I think it’s just the fact that people know the law is going to be enforced. Why not preempt that and just do the right thing?”
The Florida governor noted that deterrence is working exactly as intended. When illegal migrants know they can’t game the system, many simply choose to leave on their own dime—or in this case, under supervised federal departure programs.
That’s why DeSantis is doubling down. “Today, I announced that Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson will now serve as a Deportation Depot to detain and process illegal immigrants for removal,” he said. “We’ll enforce the law, we’ll hold the line, and we will keep delivering results.”
The new facility, located just minutes from Lake City Airport, will have capacity for more than 1,300 detainees. According to the governor’s office, costs will be reimbursed by federal partners, making it a financially smart move in addition to a security one. Its proximity to the airport ensures rapid processing and deportation, cutting down on bureaucracy and wasted resources.
“The demand is there, and our guys are ready, willing, and able to help our federal partners in this mission,” DeSantis continued. He stressed that flights are already ramping up and the pace of removals will accelerate in the coming weeks.
Florida has already positioned itself as a national leader in immigration enforcement, boasting more 287(g)-certified officers than any other state. These specially trained officers work directly with federal agencies to identify, detain, and remove illegal aliens. In short, Florida is not just protecting Floridians—it’s setting the national standard.
The strategy stands in sharp contrast to the open-borders chaos pushed by Democrats in Washington and sanctuary city leaders who prefer political grandstanding to public safety. While left-wing mayors complain about busloads of migrants, DeSantis is delivering real solutions that reduce illegal immigration and restore order.
The results speak for themselves: illegal immigrants are leaving Florida on their own, law enforcement is empowered, and the state is safer. As DeSantis made clear, “This is definitely the right decision… we’re going to fulfill this mission.”
At a time when the Biden administration failed to secure the southern border, DeSantis and Florida are showing what real leadership looks like: enforcing the law, protecting citizens, and keeping America safe.
