Related videos:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced this Wednesday that his administration will not build a new detention center for migrants until "Alligator Alcatraz," the controversial camp set up in the Everglades, is operating at full capacity.
The statement contradicts a previous promise from the Republican, who had announced the creation of another center in Camp Blanding, in the northern part of the state, emphasized the agency EFE.
“I am willing to erect (the detention center) Blanding once ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is full,” DeSantis said during a press conference in Tampa.
He stated that he does not want to have two centers operating at half capacity and argued that the first one has not yet reached its maximum capacity, estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 people.
The center, located in an old airport west of Miami and built in just one week, welcomed its first migrants on July 2nd.
DeSantis confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun relocating a “significant number” of people to the location and that deportations are already taking place from there.
The governor also came to the defense of the installation, which has faced harsh criticism from human rights organizations, Democratic politicians, and environmental groups.
Activists and local legislators are denouncing inhumane conditions, with at least 750 migrants locked in cages, and are questioning the safety of the center in light of potential hurricanes.
Furthermore, environmental organizations have warned that the rushed construction of the center prevented a proper environmental assessment in a natural area of high ecological value such as the Everglades, home to vulnerable species like alligators and pythons.
Despite the complaints, DeSantis defended the legality and conditions of "Alligator Alcatraz," asserting that "all minimum standards are being maintained."
Her administration remains steadfast in its hardline immigration policy, amid an election year marked by the tightening of Republican positions on immigration.
However, despite the statements made by the governor of Florida, Alligator Alcatraz has become the epicenter of a growing wave of legal complaints, led by human rights advocacy organizations and legal representatives who accuse the Government of Donald Trump and the state authorities of Florida of violating fundamental rights of the immigrants detained there.
The lack of effective access to legal advice has been the main trigger for one of the most notable lawsuits, marking a milestone in the legal battle surrounding this controversial center.
A lawsuit filed this week by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida and the organization Americans for Immigrant Justice claims that those detained in “Alligator Alcatraz” not only face inhumane conditions, but are also denied their basic right to legal defense.
In this regard, the Miccosukee tribe of Florida filed a lawsuit in federal court against U.S. government agencies, state authorities, and Miami-Dade County for the construction of the immigration detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" in an area they consider sacred.
The legal action was filed as an intervening party in a broader lawsuit led by environmental organizations, which also denounce the lack of environmental permits for the construction of the facility.
"The construction of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ violates the sovereign rights of the Miccosukee and endangers a culturally and ecologically significant landscape. It also violates the human rights of immigrants and their families. It is illegal and immoral," stated Judith LeBlanc, executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance.
On the other hand, just a few days ago, the administration of President Donald Trump announced plans for the construction of five new mega detention centers for immigrants in various states governed by Republicans, following the model of “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida.
The Secretary of National Security, Kristi Noem, confirmed on Monday that they are in discussions with five state governments to "replicate" the facility in Florida, in a new offensive against irregular immigration in the United States, as reported by the news agency EFE.
These statements were supported by Stephen Miller, Trump's advisor and architect of his immigration policies, who urged all Republican states to join the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center in Florida
What is "Alligator Alcatraz" and why is it controversial?
"Alligator Alcatraz" is a detention center for immigrants in the Florida Everglades, promoted by the administration of Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis. It is controversial due to reported inhumane conditions, the lack of a proper environmental assessment, and its location in a fragile ecosystem. Human rights organizations and environmentalists have strongly criticized the project.
What are the environmental criticisms against "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Environmental critics emphasize that the construction of the center was carried out without a prior environmental impact assessment, which could harm the ecosystem of the Everglades, a habitat for protected species such as the Florida panther. Environmental groups and scientists have warned about potential negative effects such as pollution and the degradation of the natural habitat.
What legal actions have been taken against "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against "Alligator Alcatraz," including one from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and another from the Miccosukee tribe. These legal actions focus on the inhumane conditions for detainees, lack of access to legal counsel, and violations of sovereign and environmental rights in the Everglades.
How has the Florida government responded to criticism regarding "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The governor Ron DeSantis has defended the legality and conditions of the center stating that "all minimum standards are being upheld." However, this assertion has been challenged by experts and fact-checkers who point to the lack of technical support and evidence backing his claims about the "zero impact" on the environment.
What is the impact of "Alligator Alcatraz" on migrant communities?
"Alligator Alcatraz" has intensified the hostile climate toward migrant communities in Florida. Although initially intended for immigrants with criminal records, reports reveal that many detainees have no criminal charges. This situation has caused concern and fear among migrant communities and their advocates.
Filed under: