The conservative American influencer Benny Johnson was one of the first to attend the inauguration this Tuesday of the new detention center for migrants in Florida, known as Alligator Alcatraz.
This facility, which has already faced strong criticism from human rights organizations, has been presented by its supporters as a model of efficiency and immigration control.
“I just arrived at Alligator Alcatraz. Check out this Jurassic Park-style entrance. 9-meter walls, barbed wire, and armed guards,” Johnson said in one of his videos, as he showcased the imposing wall surrounding the complex.
The prison has been built to high security standards to prevent any escape attempts by inmates.
In addition to describing the infrastructure, Johnson mocked the natural conditions of the place, located in a wetland reserve in southern Florida. "None of this existed a week ago. An astounding madness coming from the state of Florida. Thousands of mosquitoes invaded me. Millions of alligators. What hell!", he added while walking through the surroundings of the center, surrounded by vegetation and wildlife.
In another of his videos, Johnson openly celebrated the accelerated construction of this detention center.
It showcased what the "cells" would be like and emphasized the pace at which the work was carried out.
"I don't think anyone realizes how impressive Alligator Alcatraz is. The state of Florida built this federal prison with 3,000 beds in eight days. The director tells me that it could have been finished in 72 hours if it hadn't been for some regulatory delays."
Additionally, the content creator discussed the center's future plans related to the involvement of military bodies in migration processes.
"Now it only remains for the state to approve the designation of the National Guard as deportation judges, and this will become the most efficient deportation center in the history of the United States," he added.
The name of the venue, Alligator Alcatraz, alludes both to the now-defunct federal prison located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco and to the alligators that are abundant in the area.
The prison is located within the Everglades, a vast wetland region famous for its biodiversity, which includes mangroves, swamp forests, and a large population of crocodiles and mosquitoes.
During his visit, Johnson joined a tour led by President Donald Trump, who also toured the facilities and held a press conference on-site.
The influencer took the opportunity to record exclusive content from inside the detention center, which has been presented by its advocates as an extreme solution to the migration issue, and by its critics as a threat to fundamental rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center in Florida
What is "Alligator Alcatraz"?
"Alligator Alcatraz" is a detention center for migrants in the Florida Everglades, named for its resemblance to the former prison of Alcatraz and for being surrounded by alligators. It was inaugurated as part of an initiative to strengthen immigration policy in the United States under the administration of Donald Trump.
Why has "Alligator Alcatraz" been criticized?
The center has been criticized by human rights organizations and environmentalists due to the extreme conditions in which the detainees are held and the negative environmental impact on the Everglades. Additionally, the speed of its construction and the lack of environmental impact studies have sparked controversy.
What are the characteristics of the "Alligator Alcatraz" center?
The center has the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 migrants and is designed to process and deport immigrants with criminal records. It is surrounded by dangerous wildlife, which is said to act as a natural security barrier. The facility includes tents instead of permanent structures.
What is the annual operating cost of "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The estimated annual operating cost is 450 million dollars, part of which could be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This expense has been a subject of controversy due to its high cost and criticism for the lack of humanity in the treatment of migrants.
What impact does "Alligator Alcatraz" have on the Cuban community in Florida?
The opening of the center serves as a wake-up call for the Cuban community, which has faced arrests and deportations under the immigration policies of the Trump administration. There is concern that the use of the center will extend beyond immigrants with criminal records, impacting more individuals from this community.
Filed under: