Florida GOP pulls ‘Deportation Depot’ merchandise after Home Depot objects: Report

The Florida Republican Party has removed merchandise branded “The Deport Depot” from its website after Home Depot raised objections, according to the Washington Post. The items — including T-shirts and hats priced between $15 and $28 — featured a logo that mimicked Home Depot’s signature orange design. 

Home Depot-style branding 

The “Deport Depot” logo used a stacked, stencil-style white font inside an orange box similar to the home improvement retailer. Funds collected from merchandise on the Florida GOP’s website were directed to the Republican Party of Florida.

After Home Depot objected to its branding, the Florida GOP removed the merchandise and social media posts promoting it, the Post reported.

“We don’t allow any organization to use our branding or logo for their commercial purposes, and we did not approve this use,” Beth Marlowe, a Home Depot spokeswoman, told the Post in an email Sunday.

ICE raids sparked protests at Home Depot stores

The controversy comes as U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up enforcement actions at Home Depot stores. Recent Los Angeles raids led to protests, with many criticizing using retail locations as staging grounds for immigration protests.

In June, one such raid drew widespread demonstrations after dozens were detained. The White House responded by deploying the National Guard, even though state leaders disagreed with that decision.

A Home Depot spokesperson told the Post that the company is not aware of immigration raids before they happen at its stores.

New Florida detention facility announced

The Florida GOP has not commented on the logo dispute.

Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson will serve as the new Deportation Depot with the capacity to hold more than 1,300 detainees. The facility will be similar to Alligator Alcatraz and will process, stage and deport undocumented immigrants.

The new facility comes after the opening of “Alligator Alcatraz,” a state-run immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, located at the Dade-Collier Airport. Built from tents and trailers, it can hold over 3,000 detainees, mostly immigrants awaiting deportation. The facility has been criticized for poor conditions and is facing legal challenges.

The Florida GOP is also selling “Alligator Alcatraz” merchandise on its website.

Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief

Ella Greene

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