Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans to reopen the Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, Florida, as a second immigration jail designated for undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation. The facility came under fire for multiple reports of extreme violence and inmate abuse by guards, closing the facility in 2021 after pressure mounted.
DeSantis rhetorically remarked on the dire need for more capacity. He added that the state needs more room than what is currently offered in their South Florida facilities. He called the Baker institution “ready-made infrastructure,” in a clear reference to its cavernous, empty quarters. Reopening this facility will undermine the positive and humane operations at the remote tented camp nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz.
We’re not planning on housing folks forever. Our aim shouldn’t be to regularise all illegals – our aim should be to remove them and return them to their countries of origin. That’s the name of the game,” DeSantis said about the purpose of reopening Baker. The facility is designed to hold up to 1,300 people pending an order of deportation.
The Florida Department of Corrections used to run the Baker Correctional Institution. It became widely known for a slew of allegations for “inhumane” conditions in its operations. The infamous Alligator Alcatraz facility has been criticized for its reprehensible treatment of detainees. Recent media reports have documented these disturbing conditions, including people locked in cages, unbearable heat, inoperable toilets and air conditioning, lack of available food, and an outbreak of a contagious respiratory virus.
A federal judge is now deliberating on whether to close the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility permanently. This is in response to many years of complaints about its state. That two-week restraining order has now expired. It stops any further construction at the Everglades detention facility, but allows existing operations to continue.
DeSantis said he appreciated the urgency behind reopening Baker but didn’t want to cut corners. “We’re not rushing to do it right this day, but they’re doing what they need to do to get it done with all deliberate speed,” he said. The governor’s commitment to enhancing immigration enforcement reflects broader national priorities, as he noted, “It’s a priority for the people of this state, it’s a priority for the people of this country.”
DeSantis’ plan goes directly for the throat on capacity. Additionally, it puts President Joe Biden’s administration in line with former President Donald Trump’s policies on border security and unwarranted immigration law enforcement. “We’re taking yet another step in supporting the important mission that President Trump was elected to implement, securing the border and enforcing immigration laws, and removing illegal aliens,” he asserted.
Human rights advocates have warned about what it would mean for the country to reopen a facility with such a sordid history. Elise Bennett, a representative from an advocacy group, stated, “We’re feeling hopeful that the strong case we’ve made over the last few days will move the court to pump the brakes on this dangerous detention center.”
Yet Florida officials continue to solicit support for their plans. They will continue to face pressure from DOJ and human rights groups as to the treatment of detainees within facilities housing immigration detainees.