TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ was just the start; now there is a second website within the works to carry undocumented immigrants. Governor Ron DeSantis is exploring the same detention facility, hoping to arrange store at Camp Blanding.
“We had a request from the federal authorities to do it, and so Alligator Alcatraz it’s,” stated DeSantis.
“Alligator Alcatraz” the brand new website set to carry undocumented migrants awaiting deportation, is already below development and set to open in July 2025.
The positioning is taken into account an “excellent” spot by state leaders as a result of its situated proper within the coronary heart of the state’s swampy everglades with alligators and snakes surrounding the land.
“I feel the purpose is which you can’t actually escape, given this location, Mom nature will not permit it. Just like an island right here, you’ve got received an island surrounded by the everglades,” stated James Uthmeier, Legal professional Common.
The Governor’s mission would not cease there, DeSantis can be eyeing one other detention facility at Camp Blanding close to Jacksonville, in Clay County, the place Florida’s Nationwide Guard Trains.
“From a state taxpayer perspective, we’re implementing it, we’ve got guys which can be going to be doing the work and the logistics as a result of we’re superb at that, however that might be absolutely reimbursed by the federal authorities,” stated DeSantis.
For now, the federal authorities is simply funding the middle situated on the Dade-Collier deserted airstrip in Ochopee, Florida. However even with the federal push, Florida’s two-camp plan is elevating alarms, with critics calling it a political stunt.
“How about you repair the issues which can be really taking place right here within the state of Florida as a substitute of enjoying these video games. One other tons of of tens of millions of {dollars} to create these amenities, which once more is a federal problem, Federal. This isn’t one thing {that a} state authorities is meant to undertake,” stated Nikki Fried, Chairwoman for the Democratic Occasion of Florida.
Ecological advocates alongside democrats are sounding the alarm on environmental issues, however DeSantis insists this can be a non permanent website with plans to finally let nature take again the land.
“Individuals are simply they’re attempting to make use of the Everglades as a pretext, only for the truth that they oppose immigration enforcement. Let’s be clear, that is the place you might be on the far left now. They do not need the legal guidelines enforced in any respect,” stated DeSantis
“This is not about border safety or safety. That is Ron DeSantis and now our unelected Legal professional Common attempting to play stunts and video games with the folks of this nation and on this state,” stated Fried.
There could also be two camps, however there may be one message from state leaders: Florida is doubling down on immigration, which Democrats say will almost definitely proceed to face authorized challenges in courtroom.
