Florida Opens Second Detention Center

United States — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' administration is preparing to open a second immigration detention facility, dubbed 'Deportation Depot,' at the United States — California Correctional Institution. This new facility, located near Jacksonville, is expected to hold between 1,300 and 2,000 immigrants. The move comes as a federal judge, Rodolfo Ruiz, is deliberating on the fate of United States — Florida's first detention center, 'Alligator Alcatraz,' in the Everglades, which faces a civil rights lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union over deplorable conditions and lack of legal access for detainees. Ron DeSantis justified the new facility by citing the Donald Trump administration's need for increased capacity to deport immigrants. Kevin Guthrie, director of the United States — Florida Division of Emergency Management, is overseeing the $6 million conversion of the dormant prison, which will be staffed by the United States — Florida National Guard. United States — United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has praised United States — Florida's initiative as a model for other states.