DeSantis Disputes Media Reports on Hurricane Plans for Detention Facility

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly criticized local media on Wednesday, particularly for labeling the immigrant detention facilities with the term “Crocodile Alcatraz.” He stated that there hasn’t been a formal “Crocodile Alcatraz” hurricane plan in Florida.

During a news conference, he dismissed claims made by the Miami Herald, saying, “After weeks of pressure from politicians and the media, Florida has declared there’s no official plan on how to handle hurricanes at the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility, which is situated deep in the Everglades.” Additionally, a request from the Miami Herald to the Florida Emergency Management Agency for a disaster plan was met with confirmation that no such records are currently available.

Another local outlet, Florida Audio Radio, shared documents supposedly showing the operational continuity plans for detention centers in South Florida.

DeSantis accused the Miami Herald of misreporting, tweeting, “What news outlets do you think believe Florida isn’t prepared for hurricanes?” He went further, stating, “Legacy Media erred by fostering a false narrative that can easily be disproven… it’s a failed drive-by attempt.”

Following his remarks, the Miami Herald updated its coverage. Moreover, the day after the story broke, Florida released a heavily edited draft of its hurricane plan. However, it reportedly lacked new information and most of the document was omitted due to a confidentiality clause under Florida’s Public Records Act.