DeSantis Declares 'Alligator Alcatraz': Controversial Detention Center Planned!

Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA - In a dramatic move that has ignited a firestorm of controversy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has invoked emergency powers to seize a remote airport in Miami-Dade. This airport, the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, is set to be transformed into a temporary immigration detention and deportation center, aptly dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its location in the Florida Everglades, a habitat abundant with alligators and home to unique wildlife.

The new facility is poised to hold up to 5,000 detainees, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the project’s architect, outlined plans to set it up as a low-cost, efficient solution for handling immigration issues. Uthmeier, who referred to the site as a „one-stop shop“ for mass deportation efforts, is betting on the isolation the Everglades provide as a containment measure. He further elaborated that construction would commence immediately under a 2023 emergency declaration focused on immigration enforcement, which is notably more aggressive than other states.

Community and Environmental Concerns

However, the ambitious initiative does not come without backlash. Local and federal Democrats have lambasted the construction of “Alligator Alcatraz.” U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost has described it as “a cruel spectacle,” a sentiment echoed by environmental groups like Friends of the Everglades. These organizations have expressed their profound dismay over the project’s ironic location in a protected area dedicated to wildlife conservation. With construction expected to wrap up within one to two months, questions loom about the long-term implications for both the environment and local communities.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is currently reviewing the legality of the state’s actions and is consulting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the airport’s operational status. While no immediate legal action against the plan has been announced, the county is keeping its options open, hinting that litigation could be on the table if necessary.

A Broader Political Agenda

This initiative mirrors larger trends within the state, with Florida being a leader in collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) Program. Currently, 43% of the 629 agreements in the United States are situated in Florida, underscoring the state’s commitment to heightened immigration enforcement. With funding expected to flow from FEMA’s shelter and services program, the federal government has approved Florida’s proposal, facilitating the establishment of facilities designed for the expedited deportation of individuals identified as illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal records.CBS News reports that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has highlighted the necessity of such infrastructures to achieve „mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens.“

The complex surrounding this initiative is further intensified as critics label it a form of taxpayer-funded kidnapping, particularly as it focuses on apprehending non-violent individuals. As Florida ramps up efforts to support mass deportations and immigration enforcement, the implications of “Alligator Alcatraz” could shape the future landscape of immigration policy in the state and indeed across the nation.

While supporters admire its proactive approach toward immigration policy, opponents view it as a distressing symbol of inhumane treatment and disregard for individual rights. As construction on “Alligator Alcatraz” gets underway, the eyes of Floridians—and indeed the nation—will remain fixed on how this bold experiment unfolds.

To follow the latest developments on this unfolding story, check out more from WPTV and Newsweek.