BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – Residents in Bradford County are pushing back against a proposal that could bring another immigration detention facility to Northeast Florida.
“Deportation Depot” at the Baker Correctional Institution has the capacity to house up to 1,500 detainees and is one of two state‑run facilities currently operating in Florida.
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Now, emotions are running high as Bradford County residents debate the future of the Douglas Building.
The Bradford County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on Tuesday, where members of the community had the opportunity to speak during public comment.
Residents and advocates spoke out against a proposal to turn the Douglas Building into an ICE detention facility — a plan they say could house up to 3,000 detainees.
Last week, opposition to the proposal brought dozens of protestors to Bradford County as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest, calling for changes to immigration enforcement.
Supporters of the proposal say the project could bring jobs to the area. Opponents, however, say they’re concerned about potential environmental and health safety impacts, including claims of contaminated groundwater.
Opponents of the ICE facility proposal also argue it’s a human rights issue. They say they do not want their taxpayer dollars going toward detention operations.
County leaders are currently considering multiple options for the property, including leasing it to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office or pursuing private industrial use.
County Commissioners have not yet made a final decision on the Douglas Building and will continue to consider their options.