During a recent speech at the Florida Security Association’s summer meeting, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) stated that the undocumented individuals sent to Florida’s Crocodile Alcatraz already possess removal orders.
DeSantis emphasized Florida’s leadership role, claiming that the state is “beyond any other state in the country,” serving as a model for what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to achieve nationwide.
“This is partly why we established a processing site at Dade Carrier Airport in the Everglades under my direction at the Emergency Management Department. We literally have a place where illegals can go—there’s a runway ready for immediate departures,” he explained.
“And you know, it’s interesting because you hear various opinions. Those going to Crocodile Alcatraz are in the country illegally, and they have already received their final removal orders,” DeSantis noted.
“People talk about the legitimate processes involved—sure, there are some procedures. If you have a right to stay here, that’s significant,” he continued. “But these individuals have gone through the process. So if there’s an order for removal, what is stopping the federal government from enforcing it?”
“Now, I understand under Biden’s administration, it seems like a mere proposal. You cross the border and are given a notice to report back in three years. That doesn’t seem very effective. If a final removal order exists, we’re dealing with something like 50,000 cases here,” he added.
“If you believe those individuals should be sent back, you must be aiming for an open border,” the governor concluded, suggesting that those on the opposing political side “want to give special privileges to those here illegally.”
“Flights from that airport are starting up, and we’re keeping an eye on those operations. We’re also enhancing our capabilities, both there and at our Camp Branding site,” DeSantis shared.
