DeSantis says 'Alligator Alcatraz' always meant to be temporary
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stated that the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in the Everglades was always intended to be a temporary facility and will eventually be dismantled.
- The New York Times reported that state and federal officials have begun early discussions about potentially shutting down the facility, which has processed and deported 22,000 detainees since opening last summer.
- DeSantis indicated the facility’s closure depends on the Department of Homeland Security's ability to house detainees elsewhere, though DHS has not officially requested the closure and denied urging Florida to cease operations.
- The detention center has faced criticism from detainees regarding poor conditions and limited access to legal counsel, and Florida has spent over $1 million daily to operate it, awaiting $608 million in federal reimbursement.
- According to a publicly released handbook, detainees are segregated by criminal history and flight risk, and strict rules during head counts can lead to collective punishment if detainees move or talk.
