Florida Immigration Detention Center Approved by DHS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has given the green light for a new immigration detention center in Florida. According to Breitbart News, the idea was initially proposed by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who suggested converting a largely abandoned training facility in Miami-Dade into a place for detaining undocumented immigrants. Interestingly, the site is surrounded by crocodiles and pythons, which Uthmeier describes as a unique feature.
“I think this is the best option. I’m calling it ‘Alligator Alcatraz’. The area spans 30 square miles and is completely encircled by the Everglades. It allows us to build temporary detention facilities efficiently and at a low cost, given that we don’t need to invest heavily in nearby infrastructure,” he noted. He also mentioned that if detainees were to escape, they would have to contend with the local wildlife.
The New York Times mentions that the facility is expected to feature large tents and other structures, which could amount to operational costs of about $450 million annually for the state.
This out-of-the-way location, while costing a substantial amount to run, might allow Florida to seek some reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as pointed out by DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
In a recent post on X, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted that these “new facilities” aimed at housing undocumented immigrants with criminal records will receive significant funding from FEMA’s shelter and service programs.
“Under President Trump’s direction, we are moving at turbo speed to find cost-effective and innovative solutions to tackle illegal immigration, particularly concerning serious offenders,” Noem stated. “Thanks to our collaboration with Florida, we will be expanding our facilities and increasing bed capacity very soon.”
Uthmeier expressed pride in supporting President Trump and Secretary Noem, stating that projects like Alligator Alcatraz are steps toward addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. He added that Florida will stand strong alongside the administration to ensure safety and freedom in the state.
