by Sanderson, Florida — Detainees at a state-run immigration detention center in northern Florida were pepper sprayed inside their housing units in late October after a protest escalated, according to official records and statements reviewed by the USA TODAY Network – Florida.
Pepper Spray Deployed at “Deportation Depot”
The incident occurred at Baker Correctional Institution, commonly referred to as “Deportation Depot,” a state-operated immigration detention facility located about 40 miles west of Jacksonville. The Florida Department of Emergency Management confirmed that officers deployed OC gas, a pepper-based aerosol, during the disturbance.
According to FDEM spokesperson Stephanie Hartman, “Detainees at Deportation Depot attempted to barricade themselves inside their housing unit while inciting violence and causing significant damage.” She added that after detainees “refused multiple verbal commands,” officers used pepper spray “to safely regain access.”
What Triggered the Protest
Records obtained by the USA TODAY Network indicate that the disturbance began on the evening of October 29, after detainees complained about the quality of food served during dinner. Following the complaints, detainees were sent back to their housing units earlier than scheduled.
Once inside, detainees began protesting. Official records note that the “doors were tied shut,” though it remains unclear whether detainees or facility staff secured them. The housing unit was then placed on lockdown.
Scale of the Incident
Approximately 160 detainees were involved in the lockdown. According to records, about 80 detainees were treated on site following the deployment of OC spray. No one was transported to an outside medical facility, and no staff injuries were reported.
Hartman stated, “No injuries were reported, and everyone involved was medically cleared in an abundance of caution.” She also emphasized that “the incident was quickly brought under control, allowing staff to restore order and ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.”
Advocates Raise Concerns
Immigrant advocates have raised alarms over the incident. In a social media post, Grace Resendez McCaffery, owner of La Costa Latina newspaper, said she received a call from a detained individual who described detainees being sprayed while locked down.
She wrote that she was told “many people, including elderly, were dragged out by their limbs and injured in the process.” These claims have not been independently verified by state officials.
Oversight and Transparency Issues
Deportation Depot opened in September and is housed in a former state prison. An ICE spokesperson previously said the facility could hold up to 2,000 detainees, though numbers fluctuate daily as individuals are processed or transferred.
Because the site is state-run, detainees housed there do not appear in ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System, and Florida currently lacks a public alternative. A proposed bill, SB 708, would create a State Immigration Enforcement Action Database, but its future remains uncertain in the GOP-controlled Legislature.
Broader Scrutiny of Florida Detention Facilities
Florida’s state-run detention operations, including “Alligator Alcatraz” in Collier County, have faced multiple lawsuits. A recent Amnesty International report alleged harsh treatment, including detainees being “put in the ‘box,’” described as a small cage-like structure used as punishment.
The DeSantis administration dismissed the report as a “politically motivated attack,” calling the allegations “fabrications.” Meanwhile, federal officials have approved up to $608 million in potential reimbursement for Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts, though it remains unclear how much has been paid.
Conclusion
The pepper spray incident at Deportation Depot has intensified scrutiny of Florida’s expanding role in immigration detention. While state officials maintain the use of force was necessary to restore order, advocates continue to question conditions and accountability inside state-run facilities.
Tell Us What You Think
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