Delays and Silence Surround the ICE Detention Facility at Camp Blanding
The planned construction of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility at Camp Blanding in Florida has been shrouded in uncertainty. Questions about the project’s timeline, vendor selection, and overall planning remain largely unanswered, as the expected start date for construction appears to have been delayed.
Earlier this week, Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, indicated that construction was imminent. During an appearance on Action News Jax, Guthrie stated, “I would say right after our wonderful Independence Day, we will be starting construction there at that facility.” This statement suggested that the project was moving forward with a clear timeline in place.
However, just ten days later, no signs of construction activity were visible at the National Guard base. The lack of progress has raised concerns among local residents, lawmakers, and media outlets. As of Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that the state was still in the process of selecting vendors for the project. He said, “So, eventually, I think vendors will be selected and then at that point we’ll be able to do. Now, we’re also going to see what the demand signal for this is.”
Despite these statements, the state’s procurement website does not list any request for proposals (RFPs) related to the Camp Blanding project. Efforts to obtain information directly from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) have been met with little to no response. The agency has acknowledged receiving records requests but has not provided details about the project’s estimated start date, projected cost, or vendor applications.
This lack of transparency has led to growing frustration among local officials and community members. State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) has been vocal about her concerns regarding the proposed detention facility, which she has referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” She warned that the project may not meet necessary standards. “They’re gonna cut corners. They’re not going to feed the folks right. It’s probably gonna flood. It’s probably just going to be a tent that they just throw up,” Nixon said.
Nixon also criticized the administration for its reluctance to provide information to state legislators. “They ignore state legislators. They lie to state legislators. They hang up on state legislators. And so, at the end of the day Ron DeSantis’ administration is going unchecked, but now we’re checking them,” she added.
The opacity surrounding the project has sparked broader questions about accountability and oversight. With no clear timeline or public documentation available, many are left wondering when the facility will actually be built and how it will be managed. Community groups and watchdog organizations continue to push for more transparency, demanding that the state provide detailed information about the project’s scope, costs, and implementation plan.
As the debate over the detention facility continues, the absence of clear communication from officials has only deepened public skepticism. Residents and lawmakers alike are calling for greater openness and accountability, urging the state to provide the answers that have so far remained elusive.
