Only in Florida: Two immigration detainees mistakenly released, later recaptured

In an unusual incident at one of Florida’s immigration detention facilities, two detainees were accidentally released from custody over the weekend before authorities located them and brought them back.

The incident occurred at Deportation Depot, a state-operated immigration detention center in Sanderson, Baker County, approximately 40 miles west of Jacksonville.

Florida officials confirmed the incident Wednesday, October 14, acknowledging that an administrative mistake led to the unintended release of both individuals.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the detainees were mistakenly released on bond because of an administrative error.

“Both individuals were quickly located and returned to custody,” agency spokeswoman Stephanie Hartmann told the News Service of Florida.

Officials also emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

How Did the Mistake Happen?

Authorities have not explained exactly how the administrative error occurred or how long the two detainees remained outside the facility before being located.

The identities and nationalities of the individuals have not been publicly disclosed. Officials also have not confirmed whether either detainee had a criminal record.

The state agency responsible for the facility says it is reviewing the incident to determine what went wrong and prevent similar mistakes in the future.

The incident raises questions about administrative procedures and oversight at a detention center that houses approximately 1,000 people.

A Detention Facility Near Jacksonville

Deportation Depot operates at the former Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson. The facility was converted into an immigration detention center as part of Florida’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts.

It is operated under the supervision of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, an agency that also oversees the state’s disaster response operations.

The facility has the capacity to house up to 2,000 detainees, according to previously released information from federal immigration officials.

Florida has entered into a contract worth up to $101 million with GEO|CDR BAKER to provide staffing, correctional officers, medical personnel and other operational services at the facility.

Questions Remain After Detainees Are Returned

Although both detainees are back in custody, the incident has raised questions about how individuals could be released from a state immigration detention facility without proper authorization.

Authorities have not announced disciplinary action or identified any employees responsible for the error.

For now, state officials say the situation has been resolved and an internal review is underway.

The episode adds another unusual chapter to Florida’s expanding immigration detention system — this time involving two people who were unexpectedly released, only to be returned to custody shortly afterward.