The President of the United States, Donald Trump, traveled to Florida this Tuesday morning to inaugurate a new detention center for migrants located in the Everglades, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz."
Trump landed shortly after 10:30 a.m. directly on the runway of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, where the new detention center will also operate.
Upon disembarking from the presidential plane, he was greeted by the governor himself, Ron DeSantis, who welcomed him with the words, “Welcome to Alligator Alcatraz, I like that name, by the way.”
The president was accompanied by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristy Noem, and several local officials.
Before starting the tour of the facilities, Trump and DeSantis briefly discussed the project.
As part of his outfit, the president wore a cap with the inscription "Gulf of America."
Once at the facility, Trump took a tour where he was shown the different areas of the center.
During his tour, Trump greeted the National Guard members who built Alligator Alcatraz in record time.
"It is a great honor to be deep in Florida, in the Florida Everglades, to inaugurate the newest migrant detention center in the United States... Very soon, these facilities will house some of the most threatening migrants, some of the most cruel people on the planet," he said during the post-tour press conference.
Characteristics and controversies of the center
The detention center has been built on an abandoned runway in record time, just 8 days, and will be able to accommodate up to 3,000 undocumented immigrants, although an initial capacity of 5,000 had been mentioned.
The installation has sparked numerous criticisms from human rights organizations, Indigenous communities, and environmental groups.
Two local organizations filed a lawsuit against the government last week, arguing that the environmental impact assessments required by law were not conducted.
The first images of the interior of the center have already been released, showing spaces resembling large cages covered by tents, which has led critics to describe it as an "inhumane internment camp."
Controversial statements from the president
Before departing for Florida, Trump made striking statements in front of the press in the gardens of the White House. Referring to the surroundings of the Everglades and alligators, he stated:
“We’re going to teach you how to escape from an alligator. Don’t run in a straight line, run like this...”, he said while mimicking a zigzag motion with his hand.
He then added with a smile: "Your chances [of escaping] increase by about 1%."
Upon arriving at the location, when asked by a reporter whether this facility would serve as a model for other similar centers, Trump responded:
"It could be. There aren't always such beautiful and safe lands. We have many bodyguards and many police officers in the form of alligators... I wouldn’t want to traverse the Everglades for too long."
Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the center as an example of collaboration between state and federal government in matters of immigration policy.
In the words of the state governor himself, this center represents a strong step in the implementation of the immigration guidelines of the Trump administration.
Frequently asked questions about the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in Florida
What is "Alligator Alcatraz" and where is it located?
Alligator Alcatraz is a new detention center for migrants located in the Florida Everglades. It is built on an abandoned runway at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. Its name evokes the famous prison of Alcatraz and references its location surrounded by alligators and dangerous wildlife.
What is the capacity of the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center?
The center is designed to accommodate up to 3,000 undocumented migrants. However, it was initially stated that the capacity would be 5,000. This change in capacity has sparked criticism from human rights organizations concerned about the potential misuse of the facilities.
What controversies surround the construction of "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The center has faced criticism for its environmental impact and the inhumane conditions reported. Environmental and human rights organizations have filed lawsuits due to the lack of environmental impact studies and have pointed out that the location threatens the Everglades ecosystem. The speed of its construction, completed in just eight days, is also under scrutiny.
What has Donald Trump said about "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Donald Trump praised the center as an example of efficiency and security. During his visit, he stated that "Alligator Alcatraz" will house some of the "most threatening" migrants and emphasized the collaboration with Governor Ron DeSantis and national security authorities for its construction.
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