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The immigrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz", located in the Florida Everglades, could become one of the most costly and short-lived projects in the recent history of the state. Less than two months after its opening, it faces a court order for closure that could jeopardize 218 million dollars of taxpayers' money.
According to a report by CNN with information from Associated Press (AP), Federal Judge Kathleen Williams ordered the operations of the center to be halted and confirmed that it must remain closed indefinitely due to legal violations regarding environmental matters. The immediate cost of closure would amount to between 15 and 20 million dollars, while reopening it would incur a similar expense.
An analysis by the AP cited by Telemundo 51 revealed that the state has already signed contracts worth 405 million dollars with construction, security, and service companies. Of this amount, at least 218 million has already been invested and could be lost, as the facility is rapidly emptying. The director of Florida's Emergency Management Division (FEMA) himself acknowledged that it could be devoid of any detainees in a matter of days.
The American media emphasized that a large portion of the funding came from emergency funds managed by FEMA, resources that are typically allocated for hurricanes and natural disasters, but were diverted to the controversial detention center.
The project has been surrounded by controversies since its inception. Hindustan Times reported that environmental groups and the Miccosukee tribe sued the state and federal government for failing to conduct a mandatory environmental impact study before establishing the center in a fully protected ecosystem.
Furthermore, critics have denounced the lack of transparency in contract awarding, many of which were signed hastily and without competitive bidding, fueling suspicions of favoritism and influence peddling, according to a report by Telemundo 51.
At the same time, various civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits regarding the conditions within the facility, such as metal mesh cages surrounding tents with bunk beds, poorly maintained portable restrooms, floors flooded with waste, and detainees lacking regular access to attorneys.
Although Governor Ron DeSantis insists on maintaining operations and has already announced the opening of a second center in the northern part of the state, the so-called Alligator Alcatraz has become a symbol of scrutiny. This is not only due to the potential millions of dollars wasted that will fall on taxpayers, but also because of the impact on thousands of immigrants who have passed through a facility that advocates describe as "inhuman."
What started as a project to tighten immigration policy now faces the paradox of becoming a multimillion-dollar white elephant, built hastily and with a future more uncertain than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center in Florida
Why was the closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center ordered?
Federal Judge Kathleen Williams ordered the closure of the center due to legal violations regarding environmental matters. The center was built without conducting the mandatory environmental impact study, which poses a risk to the ecosystems of the Everglades. Furthermore, environmental organizations and the Miccosukee tribe sued the state for the damage caused to the natural environment.
How much money could Florida lose with the closure of "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Florida could lose at least 218 million dollars already invested in the center, out of a total of 405 million dollars in signed contracts for its construction and operation. These funds largely came from emergency resources, originally intended for natural disasters, diverted for the detention center project.
What will happen to the detainees of the "Alligator Alcatraz" center after its closure?
The detainees are being transferred to other facilities. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the migrants are being relocated to other detention centers, such as Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, while the "Alligator Alcatraz" center is gradually emptying.
Why is the "Alligator Alcatraz" project controversial?
The project has faced criticism for environmental, legal, and humanitarian reasons. In addition to environmental violations, the center has encountered allegations of inhumane conditions for detainees, such as lack of access to lawyers, and the non-transparent awarding of contracts. It has also become a symbol of the punitive immigration policies of the Florida government, led by Governor Ron DeSantis.
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