Floridians from Across the State, Including Central & Northeast Florida, to Join Clay County Residents, State Rep. Angie Nixon, and Diverse Groups in Rally Against Detention Center Plans  

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA) will be leading a broad coalition of Floridians from across the state, including residents, advocacy groups, and elected officials such as State Representative Angie Nixon, will gather at Camp Blanding on July 19 at 3:00 PM to protest plans to convert the National Guard facility into an immigrant detention center.

The protest, a statewide call to action, will bring together organizations and community representatives from Central and Northeast Florida, uniting against the controversial proposal. Demonstrators will highlight concerns over fiscal waste, environmental harm, and the facility’s troubling history as a WWII internment camp. Organizers have arranged a shaded press area with water and seating to accommodate media covering the event.

Key Concerns:

– Cost to Taxpayers: With “Alligator Alcatraz” projected to cost $450 million annually, questions remain about who will fund Camp Blanding’s conversion and operations.

– Environmental Risks: No impact study has been conducted despite the site bordering protected wetlands and habitats for endangered species like gopher tortoises.

– Misguided Priorities: While veterans’ transportation funding was vetoed, millions are being spent on detention facilities.

Quotes:

“This isn’t about security—it’s about wasting taxpayer money to punish families,” said Dan Lipp of the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance. “DeSantis claims federal reimbursement will cover costs, but there’s zero proof. Floridians deserve transparency.”

“They’re using a former WWII internment camp to repeat history,” added Echo, a Clay County resident. “Our community resources shouldn’t be torn from schools and parks to fund cruelty.”

Event Details

Date: July 19, 2025

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Camp Blanding, 5701 FL-16, Starke, FL

Press Contact: Vanessa Alvarez, (305) 510-4347, unidosjax@gmail.com