At the same time, Florida has begun the construction of a new immigration detention facility. It’s nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” and located deep within the center of the national park. This facility would replace the blighted footprint of the vacant Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. It sits about six miles south of Everglades National Park. The announcement about the construction came on June 23 – just as construction operations were getting underway.
Both Florida officials and federal officials directly involved with Alligator Alcatraz have made it clear that this latest attempt is to deal with Florida’s escalating immigration crisis. The completed facility will be expected to open in 30-60 days after construction. It will look like the mass sheltering that’s typically used during and after a natural disaster. In fact, Governor Ron DeSantis’s office has confirmed this tactic, claiming it’s a fast and effective response to immigration outrage.
Facility Details and Capacity
Originally, “Alligator Alcatraz” was going to begin with space for 500 to 1,000 detainees. We’ve projected that capacity out to 5,000 beds by the beginning of July. The use of temporary structures is designed to allow for rapid deployment and flexibility in managing the influx of individuals entering the facility.
The Florida Department of Homeland Security stated that “Alligator Alcatraz will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida.” This highlights the importance and ongoing work between state and federal agencies to increase immigration detention capacities.
Other than “Alligator Alcatraz,” officials are expected to announce Camp Blanding Joint Training Center as the second immigration detention facility. This two-pronged effort is a piece of the administration’s overall plan to deter illegal immigration and make better use of our current infrastructure.
Funding Controversies
Critics are raising red flags over the cost of “Alligator Alcatraz.” They claim that Florida is illegally using FEMA emergency shelter money, funds intended to address disaster relief, to help build this contentious detention center. According to published reports, the Shelter and Services Program just received an additional $650 million from US Customs and Border Protection. This funding is only guaranteed for fiscal year 2024.
These allegations have led to widespread criticism, calling into question the use of disaster relief funds to conduct immigration enforcement activities. Critics claim that this trend defeats the entire point of these funds. Whether it’s hurricane damage or other disasters, these funds are essential to helping communities most affected rebuild.
When it was first announced in June 2023, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier made the facility’s purpose unequivocally clear. He continued, “there’s no place to run, no place to escape.” This statement should give anyone pause at how extreme the state’s stance on immigration enforcement is. It further highlights their determination to closing so-called gaps in border security.
Political Context
“Alligator Alcatraz,” is released into a highly charged political environment. This atmosphere has led to a wealth of proposals related to disaster management and immigration policy. Former President Donald Trump, for his part, has said he wants FEMA fully eliminated. He thinks states need to own the burden of disaster preparedness and response. His position represents a fundamental change in how government funds could be spent, especially with respect to emergencies.
In light of these developments, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated its commitment to uphold immigration enforcement goals, stating their intention to “deliver on the American people’s mandate for mass deportations.” This statement is yet another example of how the administration is using strict immigration policies to support its entire agenda.
