COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that flights deporting individuals have officially started from Florida’s recently opened immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Within three weeks of its inauguration, the facility has processed a significant number of detainees. DeSantis reported that over 100 individuals with final deportation orders have already been extradited, with many more awaiting transfer for federal deportation.

“This is just the opening stage. You’re going to see this really ramp up,” DeSantis said during the press conference.

The state and ICE facility, located at a former training airport in South Florida, currently houses up to 2,000 detainees and is expected to double in capacity. Florida officials have touted the site’s proximity to a commercial runway, enabling quick transfers to aircraft for deportation.

DeSantis and his administration framed the facility as a national model. 

“This provides an ability to enhance the mission, to increase the number and frequency of deportations,” the governor said, urging other states to follow suit.

Despite state officials hailing the site as a model of efficiency, critics have raised concerns about its cost, environmental impact and lack of transparency.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) said the facility “continues to lack due process” and questioned whether all those being transported are facing final deportation. She also criticized the removal of detailed contract documents from public websites, claiming the state is “only uploading cover sheets, not giving specifics.”

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie responded by saying the detailed purchase orders were initially posted by mistake and were removed to protect competitive pricing. 

“Everything here has been competitively bid,” Guthrie said. “We’ve replaced it with summary sheets.”

As of now, the state has issued more than $245 million in contracts related to the facility, but full documentation remains unavailable.

Guthrie defended the operation, describing it as “professional” and in compliance with the highest federal and state standards. He said the facility provides hot meals, 24/7 medical care, legal and clergy services and air-conditioned housing units.

“We meet or exceed the higher standard, whatever that is,” Guthrie said, also noting that contingency plans are in place for hurricane season.

Some in public office and reporters have raised concerns about limited access to the site. DeSantis dismissed requests for media tours, calling the facility “not a spectacle.”

State officials said the facility could soon increase to 3,000 detainees. If demand rises further, the state is prepared to stage a similar operation at Camp Blanding in North Florida.

DeSantis said the effort ties into a broader national push, backed by President Donald Trump, to expedite deportations. The state is also exploring options for self-deportation, where eligible individuals may voluntarily return to their home countries under supervision.

“This is where the rule of law gets enforced,” DeSantis said. “This facility is helping fulfill the mandate voters gave us.”

State officials say they expect the federal government to reimburse Florida for the facility’s expenses, similar to FEMA emergency reimbursements.