Florida could have a second immigrant detention center, or at least that is what Governor Ron DeSantis aims for, as he considers establishing a facility at Camp Blanding, a National Guard training center located about 30 miles from Jacksonville in the northeastern part of the state.
The proposal arises as the construction of the first center advances on a remote landing strip in the Everglades, called "Alcatraz Alligator," a project that has generated significant controversy due to its ecological and humanitarian implications.
"We cannot have all illegal immigrants housed in our jails (and filling them up)," DeSantis declared at an event in Tampa.
"So, we're going for the 'Alcatraz of the Caymans,' and we're also looking to establish a site at Camp Blanding. Florida will be a force multiplier for the federal government and will continue to lead the enforcement of immigration laws at the national level," he said.
According to him, the Emergency Management Division is already working on the preparations for that second center.
The plan is part of a coordinated effort with the Trump administration, which has promised to increase deportations if he returns to the White House.
DeSantis assures that Florida is ready to help the federal government increase its current capacity of 41,000 beds for immigrant detention to at least 100,000. The state plans to provide 5,000 beds by early July, using temporary facilities such as tents and trailers.
The estimated cost of operating the Alcatraz Alligator is $450 million per year, at a rate of $245 per bed per day, which will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The chosen location for this center, surrounded by wetlands and alligators, has been criticized by environmental activists, who point out the threat it poses to the Everglades ecosystem, as well as by human rights advocates, who denounce the growing dehumanization of migrants.
The former Dade-Collier Airport, located in the heart of the Everglades, will be transformed into a multifunctional prison infrastructure that will include detention, legal processing, and deportation.
The state of Florida announced its intention to pay 20 million dollars to the counties of Miami-Dade and Collier for the purchase of the old airport terminal, which is currently unused and would be utilized for air logistics operations, resource deployment, and emergency response.
The 10,500-foot runway would allow for direct air operations, and the National Guard would provide military lawyers to serve as immigration judges in an expedited system under state control.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier believes that the site could be operational 30 to 60 days after construction begins.
Uthmeier has defended the site for its natural isolation and the "low risk of escape." "There’s nowhere to go. If someone escapes, they encounter alligators and pythons," he said.
However, the mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine Cava, is calling for a thorough environmental and social review before relinquishing the land. "An unconsidered action can have significant long-term consequences for our community," she warned.
But the controversy expands with the proposal for Camp Blanding, and DeSantis states that the state's emergency management division is already "working on that."
Civil rights organizations are reporting an increase in raids and a hostile atmosphere for migrant communities throughout the state.
The future of these centers will now depend on local decisions, federal permits, and possibly legal battles. Meanwhile, Florida is becoming a laboratory for radical immigration policies, the extent and consequences of which are yet to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Detention Centers in Florida
What does Ron DeSantis propose regarding immigration detention centers in Florida?
Ron DeSantis proposes to establish a second immigrant detention center at Camp Blanding, in the northeast of the state of Florida, as part of a coordinated effort with the Trump administration to increase the capacity for detaining and deporting immigrants. This initiative adds to the ongoing construction of the so-called "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Everglades, which has sparked controversy due to its ecological and humanitarian implications.
What are the criticisms surrounding the "Alcatraz Alligator"?
The "Alcatraz Alligator" has been criticized by environmental activists and human rights defenders due to its location in the Everglades, a protected ecosystem. The criticisms focus on the potential for the project to irreversibly harm the ecosystem and dehumanize migrants, by using the natural environment as a security barrier. Furthermore, the mayor of Miami-Dade has emphasized the need for a thorough environmental and social review before proceeding with the project.
How will the "Alcatraz Alligator" detention center be funded?
The operating cost of the "Alcatraz Alligator" is estimated at 450 million dollars per year, with a daily cost per bed of 245 dollars. These expenses will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding has been a subject of controversy, as part of the funds come from programs intended for organizations that assist migrants.
What role does the Florida National Guard play in these detention centers?
The Florida National Guard participates in the logistical and security support of detention centers, providing military lawyers who act as immigration judges to expedite legal proceedings. This approach is part of a broader plan by Governor DeSantis to involve state agencies in immigration policy, aligning with the Trump administration.
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