Florida might be gearing up to use a new facility, dubbed “Crocodile Alcatraz,” to manage illegal immigration. This site spans 39 square miles and has been proposed to the Trump administration by Attorney General James Usmier.
The former airport, described as “effectively abandoned,” could house around 1,000 individuals labeled as criminal aliens. Usmier mentioned in a video that it might be operational within 30 to 60 days.
He emphasized that Florida is taking a strong stance on immigration enforcement, working alongside the Trump administration and ICE to detain and deport criminals. Furthermore, the government has tasked state leaders with pinpointing new temporary detention locations.
“I think this is really the best option,” Usmier added, playfully calling it “Crocodile Alcatraz.”
Photos shared show the plot surrounded by crocodiles and pythons, raising eyebrows. The site includes a long runway nestled in the Everglades. Usmier pointed out that utilizing larger land is more efficient and cost-effective, particularly since it requires minimal investment in fencing due to its natural barriers.
“Crocodile Alcatraz, we’re ready to go,” he said with enthusiasm.
Currently, ICE detention centers are filled to capacity, accommodating about 53,000 undocumented immigrants, which exceeds what Congress has funded. The agent is reportedly burning through the budget at a rapid pace – ICE is operating with a billion-dollar budget, as noted by Axios.
Congress has allocated funding for roughly 41,500 ICE beds, with costs expected to hit around $3.4 billion for 2024, according to the American Association of Immigration Lawyers.
If a significant Republican bill passes the Senate, ICE could see an expansion in its funding to $45 billion, increasing its capacity to detain undocumented immigrants, as per the Institute for Economic Policy.
Moreover, the White House has raised ICE’s daily arrest quota from 1,800 to 3,000. However, some insiders suggest that the agency has shifted its focus away from criminal immigration, affecting its overall morale.
