DeSantis defends state's immigration processing sites, cites deportation capacity and federal role

Governor Ron DeSantis discussed state-supported immigration processing sites and defended Florida's role in expanding capacity for removals, saying the state provides facilities and that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) controls who is processed and removed.

DeSantis said the state-created sites were intended to increase the pace of removals and that DHS determines who is placed in and moved out of those facilities. He referenced remarks by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd about an increase in apprehensions that DHS has not yet been able to house and process, and he said the state has established or expanded facilities including the site nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" and a deportation depot in Baker County near Jacksonville.

Why it matters: The governor framed the state's actions as a response to federal capacity constraints for processing and deporting noncitizens. He said the state has thousands of beds available across sites, and he described the effort as an important mission that the state will continue to support.

What happened: DeSantis said removals from some sites have accelerated and that DHS's schedule governs the pace. He also commented on a recent criminal case in which a commercial driver who had entered the country irregularly later was involved in a fatal crash; DeSantis criticized employer screening practices and certain sanctuary policies in other states while noting federal agencies make ultimate placement and removal decisions.

Ending: DeSantis said the state will continue to "be a force multiplier" for DHS removal capacity and that the state remains ready to expand facilities as federal needs dictate. No new federal agreements, funding details or litigation outcomes were announced at the event.