Key Takeaways
• Florida will open a second immigration detention center at Camp Blanding in July 2025, holding 2,000 detainees.
• Combined with ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Florida can detain about 5,000 undocumented immigrants at once.
• Centers aim to detain, process, and deport immigrants flagged by ICE or with final deportation orders.
Florida Expands Immigration Detention: Camp Blanding Facility to Open After “Alligator Alcatraz”
Florida is taking a major step in its immigration enforcement efforts by opening a second illegal immigration detention center at Camp Blanding, just as its first large-scale facility—nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”—begins operations in the Everglades. This move, set to unfold in July 2025, marks a significant expansion of the state’s capacity to detain and process undocumented immigrants. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could affect immigrants, families, and communities across Florida.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
On July 1, 2025, Florida’s first state-run illegal immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” began holding detainees at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades. Just days later, construction will start on a second facility at Camp Blanding, a Florida National Guard base about an hour southwest of Jacksonville. The Camp Blanding center is designed to hold up to 2,000 people, adding to the 3,000-person capacity of the Everglades site. Together, these two centers will give Florida the ability to detain about 5,000 undocumented immigrants at any given time.
The main goal of these centers is to house, process, and help deport undocumented immigrants—especially those who have been flagged by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or who already have final deportation orders. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made these facilities a key part of his administration’s tough approach to immigration enforcement, promising to use state resources to support and speed up the deportation process.
A Closer Look at Camp Blanding
Camp Blanding, the site of the new detention center, is a well-known Florida National Guard base. Its location in northern Florida, away from major cities, was chosen for security and logistical reasons. The facility will be built to hold up to 2,000 detainees, with the possibility of future expansion if needed.
Construction at Camp Blanding is scheduled to begin right after Independence Day 2025, following the opening of “Alligator Alcatraz.” State officials say the Camp Blanding center will be managed by Florida authorities, with coordination from federal agencies like ICE, but the day-to-day operations will be under state control.
Why Is Florida Building These Centers?
Governor DeSantis and his team argue that Florida needs its own detention centers to handle the growing number of undocumented immigrants in the state. They say that relying on federal facilities alone is not enough, especially when federal immigration policies change from one administration to the next.
Bryan Griffin, the governor’s communications director, has called these centers “force multipliers” for immigration enforcement. This means the state believes these facilities will help them do more with the resources they have, working alongside federal agencies to identify, detain, and deport people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status.
How Will the Centers Operate?
Both the Camp Blanding and Everglades facilities are designed to:
- House people with ICE detainers: These are individuals who have been flagged by federal immigration authorities for possible deportation.
- Hold those with final deportation orders: This group includes people who have already gone through the immigration court process and have been ordered to leave the United States 🇺🇸.
- Process detainees for deportation: The centers will work with ICE and other federal agencies to speed up the removal of undocumented immigrants from the country.
The state has not released detailed information about the daily routines, security measures, or services that will be provided to detainees at Camp Blanding. However, based on the plans for “Alligator Alcatraz,” it is expected that the facility will have high security, medical care, and basic necessities for those held there.
Financial and Operational Details
Running large detention centers is expensive. The Everglades facility alone is expected to cost about $450 million each year to operate. While the exact cost for Camp Blanding has not been made public, it is likely to be significant given its size and security needs.
Florida officials say they expect to be reimbursed for these costs by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which would mean a partnership between state and federal governments. However, as of now, only the Everglades facility has received full federal approval and funding. The Camp Blanding center is moving forward as a state-led project, with the hope that federal agencies will join in as operations ramp up.
Background: The Rise of “Alligator Alcatraz”
The first of Florida’s new detention centers, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades. This remote site was chosen for its isolation and security. The nickname “Alligator Alcatraz” reflects both the facility’s tough security measures and its location in the heart of alligator country.
The Everglades center began housing detainees on July 1, 2025, with an initial capacity of 3,000 people and plans to expand to 5,000 in the future. Like Camp Blanding, it is designed to hold people with ICE detainers or final deportation orders, speeding up the deportation process.
Political and Policy Implications
The decision to build and operate state-run illegal immigration detention centers is a major shift in how immigration enforcement is handled in Florida. Traditionally, immigration detention has been the responsibility of the federal government, especially ICE. By creating its own facilities, Florida is taking a more active role in identifying, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants.
Governor DeSantis has made immigration enforcement a central part of his political agenda. He argues that strong state action is needed to protect Florida communities and uphold the law, especially when federal policies are seen as too lenient. Supporters of the plan say these centers will help reduce crime and ensure that immigration laws are enforced consistently.
However, critics argue that large-scale detention centers can lead to human rights concerns, including overcrowding, lack of access to legal help, and poor living conditions. They also worry about the impact on families and communities, especially when people are detained far from home.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Governor Ron DeSantis: He has been the driving force behind the new detention centers, framing them as essential tools for state-led immigration enforcement.
- Bryan Griffin, Governor’s Communications Director: He describes the centers as “force multipliers,” meaning they allow the state to do more with its resources.
- Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director: He has confirmed the construction timelines and operational plans for both facilities.
- Federal Government: So far, federal approval has only been given for the Everglades facility. The Camp Blanding center is moving forward as a state project, with the expectation of future federal cooperation.
Public and Expert Reactions
The opening of these detention centers has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics:
- Supporters believe the centers are necessary to enforce immigration laws and manage the undocumented population in Florida. They argue that state action is needed when federal policies fall short.
- Critics raise concerns about the humanitarian impact of large-scale detention. They point to possible problems like overcrowding, lack of medical care, and the separation of families. Some also question the ethics of detaining people for long periods while they wait for deportation.
The nickname “Alligator Alcatraz” has become a symbol of Florida’s tough approach, but it also highlights the controversy surrounding these facilities.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Their Families?
For undocumented immigrants in Florida, the opening of these centers could mean a higher risk of detention and deportation, especially for those with ICE detainers or final deportation orders. Local and state police are expected to play a bigger role in identifying and detaining undocumented people, which could lead to more arrests and faster deportation proceedings.
Families of detainees may face long separations, especially if their loved ones are held in remote locations like Camp Blanding or the Everglades. Access to legal help and support services may also be limited, making it harder for detainees to challenge their cases or seek relief.
Implications for Communities and Employers
The expansion of detention centers could have ripple effects across Florida’s communities:
- Immigrant communities may feel increased fear and uncertainty, leading some people to avoid public spaces or services.
- Employers who rely on immigrant labor may face workforce shortages if more workers are detained or deported.
- Local governments may need to adjust their own policies and services to respond to the changing landscape.
Looking Ahead: More Centers on the Horizon?
Florida officials have already identified other possible sites for future detention centers in northeast and south-central parts of the state. This suggests that the state’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement is likely to continue, with more facilities possibly opening in the coming years.
The focus on state-run detention centers is part of a broader trend of states taking a more active role in immigration policy, especially when they disagree with federal approaches. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this shift could lead to more legal battles and policy changes as states and the federal government work out their roles.
How to Stay Informed and Take Action
If you or someone you know could be affected by these changes, it’s important to stay informed and know your rights. Here are some steps you can take:
- Check your immigration status: If you have an ICE detainer or a final deportation order, seek legal advice as soon as possible.
- Know your rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. Learn more from trusted sources like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
- Stay connected: Reach out to local immigrant support organizations for help and information.
- Monitor official updates: Follow statements from the Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the latest news on detention center operations.
Conclusion: A New Era for Immigration Enforcement in Florida
The opening of the Camp Blanding illegal immigration detention center, alongside “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades, marks a turning point in Florida’s approach to immigration enforcement. With the ability to detain up to 5,000 people, the state is taking a leading role in identifying, holding, and deporting undocumented immigrants.
While supporters see these centers as necessary tools for upholding the law, critics warn of the risks to human rights and community well-being. As Florida moves forward with its plans, the debate over immigration detention is likely to intensify, with real consequences for immigrants, families, and communities across the state.
For those affected, staying informed and seeking legal help is more important than ever. The situation is changing quickly, and understanding your options can make a big difference. For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that Florida’s evolving detention strategy will remain a key issue to watch in the coming months and years.
Learn Today
Alligator Alcatraz → Nickname for Florida’s first large immigration detention center located in the Everglades with high security.
Camp Blanding → Florida National Guard base where a new detention center will open to house 2,000 detainees.
ICE detainers → Requests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold individuals for possible deportation.
Deportation orders → Final legal decisions requiring an undocumented immigrant to leave the United States.
FEMA → Federal Emergency Management Agency that may reimburse Florida for detention center operational costs.
This Article in a Nutshell
Florida expands immigration enforcement with a new detention center at Camp Blanding, adding capacity to detain 5,000 people, signaling tougher state-led deportation policies. The initiative represents a major shift, raising concerns over human rights and impacts on immigrant families and communities across Florida.
— By VisaVerge.com
