The Brief
- Florida plans to open two more immigrant detention centers, including one in the Panhandle.
- Faith and community groups in Sarasota are holding weekly prayer vigils to peacefully protest the facilities.
- Organizers say they want access to provide spiritual care to detained immigrants.
What we know:
Florida is rapidly expanding its network of immigrant detention centers. Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced plans for a third facility in the state’s Panhandle, following the planned opening of another near Jacksonville at the former Baker Correctional Institute, “Deportation Depot”.
The existing Big Cypress Detention Center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”, will remain open after a federal appeals panel blocked a previous order to shut it down over environmental law violations.…