Homeland Security Director Christie Noem Discusses Immigration Facility Plans
This past weekend, Homeland Security Director Christie Noem confirmed plans to collaborate with five other states to create an immigration detention center modeled after a facility referred to as Wannial Catraz.
While she didn’t specify which state is involved, Noem mentioned discussions that follow a successful partnership between Florida and the federal government. The aim is to transform the Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility within the Florida Everglades into a center intended to manage, house, and eventually remove dangerous criminal immigrants.
“We actually used Wannial Catraz as a model for how we partner with us,” she said recently.
There has been significant criticism from left-leaning media regarding Wannial Catraz, which continues to face challenges regarding public perception.
Despite various misleading reports, this facility is said to offer “158,000 square feet of homes, 24/7 air conditioning, medical facilities, pharmacies, and access to both indoor and outdoor recreation areas, legal support, and laundry services,” among other amenities.
The construction includes an aluminum frame designed to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. Kevin Guthrie, head of Florida Emergency Management, described it as “a high-end Category 2” facility for those being detained.
Additionally, a backup generator has been integrated into the design. “We’ve set up a Staff Village that can accommodate 1,000 people,” Guthrie added.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with other officials, have repeatedly emphasized that illegal immigrants can opt for voluntary departure without needing to enter facilities like Wannial Catraz.
“When they undergo processing, they receive information about voluntary departure. It’s certainly more economical for everyone involved,” DeSantis remarked while giving a tour of the facility before its opening.
“Even if they are brought here, they still have the chance to return voluntarily,” he clarified.
Authorities disclosed that the facility is intended to house some of the most dangerous immigrants. Reports, including some from Fox News, have noted the presence of MS-13 members and individuals involved in violent crimes, such as a suspect linked to the murder of an elderly woman in Key Largo.
