DeSantis announced plans to convert a shuttered North Florida prison into an immigration detention center, replacing a costlier proposed site.

Florida has been a top partner in executing President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda — finding and detaining people who are in the country illegally. Florida also leads in what has become a nationwide problem: a massive backlog in immigration court cases that determine whether an immigrant can stay in the country.

DeSantis announced Thursday that the new facility is to be housed at the Baker Correctional Institution, a state prison about 43 miles (69 kilometers) west of downtown Jacksonville. It is expected to hold 1,300 immigration detention beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said.

The state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is going to be helping with immigration enforcement. Nearly 90% of the agency’s 890 sworn law enforcement officers — who are generally tasked with search and rescue operations and enforcing boating safety and animal conservation laws — are now certified to assist the federal government,

The Republican Party of Florida removed deportation-themed shirts, hats and other merchandise from its website that featured a logo similar to Home Depot's after the retailer raised objections.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced this week that the U.S. will pause issuing work visas to some foreign truck drivers