Detainees Pepper-Sprayed Twice at Florida 'Deportation Depot' Detention Center

Incidents occurred at state-run immigration detention facility since opening in September 2025

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Detainees at a Florida immigration detention center dubbed the 'Deportation Depot' have been pepper-sprayed on at least two occasions since the facility opened in September 2025, according to state officials. The most recent incident occurred on Christmas Eve 2025 when several detainees refused orders and became violent, prompting guards to use chemical agents. An earlier incident in October 2025 also involved detainees attempting to barricade themselves and incite violence, leading to the use of pepper spray.

Why it matters

The 'Deportation Depot' is one of several new state-run immigration detention centers opened in Florida as part of the state's efforts to support the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The use of force against detainees at these facilities has raised concerns about conditions and the state's authority to operate them.

The details

The Florida Division of Emergency Management confirmed the two pepper-spray incidents at the former Baker Correctional Institution in northeast Florida. In the Christmas Eve incident, officials said 'several detainees refused orders to return to their bunks and began advancing on staff,' and one detainee struck an officer, prompting the use of chemical agents. The October incident involved detainees attempting to barricade themselves and incite violence, leading guards to use pepper spray to regain control.

  • The 'Deportation Depot' facility opened in September 2025.
  • The first pepper-spray incident occurred on October 29, 2025.
  • The second pepper-spray incident occurred on December 24, 2025.

The players

Florida Division of Emergency Management

The state agency that confirmed the two pepper-spray incidents at the 'Deportation Depot' immigration detention center.

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida who has led the state's efforts to expand immigration detention capacity, including opening new state-run facilities like the 'Deportation Depot.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The state of Florida is awaiting federal approval to open a third immigration detention center in the Florida Panhandle and is also looking into a potential fourth detention facility in South Florida.

The takeaway

The use of force against detainees at Florida's state-run immigration detention centers, including the 'Deportation Depot,' raises concerns about the conditions and the state's authority to operate these facilities, which are part of the broader immigration crackdown supported by the Trump administration.