The United States government will distribute 608 million dollars among state and local governments to build new detention centers for immigrants or expand existing ones, as part of a migration offensive that is intensifying under the administration of Donald Trump.
According to a report by the agency EFE, the funds will be managed through the Fiscal Year 2025 Detention Support Grants Program, driven by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The objective is to provide "financial assistance to house foreign nationals in a detention center until their transfer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)," according to an official U.S. government page cited by EFE.
The measure aims to alleviate overcrowding in current centers and strengthen the immigration policy of the Department of Homeland Security.
The program is open for applications until next August 8, the source emphasized.
As raids and deportations increase, several states have taken the lead in providing this federal assistance.
In Florida, on July 1st, the detention center for migrants known as "Alligator Alcatraz" was inaugurated, with a capacity of 3,000 inmates, which has been wrapped in significant controversy since its inception.
President Trump personally attended the opening of the complex, located west of Miami, and encouraged other states to replicate the model.
However, human rights organizations and figures from the Democratic Party have condemned the conditions in these centers, where they claim that migrants are living in overcrowded situations, sleeping in " cages," and facing failures in sanitary and climate control systems amid extreme temperatures.
The new federal investment coincides with a period of significant budget cuts in various U.S. agencies.
FEMA itself has faced harsh criticism for its slow response to the severe floods that occurred in Texas in early July, which resulted in at least 133 deaths.
Recently, the administration of President Donald Trump announced plans to build five new detention megacenters for immigrants in various states governed by Republicans, following the model of the "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, confirmed on Monday that they are in talks with five state governments to "replicate" the facility in Florida, in a new offensive against illegal 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.
However, the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced that his administration will not build a new detention center for migrants while “Alligator Alcatraz” is not operating at full capacity, which was also largely funded by FEMA.
Frequently asked questions about the new immigrant detention centers in the U.S.
Why is the United States investing in new detention centers for immigrants?
The United States is allocating 608 million dollars to build new immigration detention centers or expand existing ones in order to relieve overcrowding in current facilities and strengthen the country's immigration policy. This measure is part of a strategy by the Trump administration to intensify the immigration crackdown and expedite deportations.
What is the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center and why is it so controversial?
"Alligator Alcatraz" is an immigration detention center located in the Everglades, Florida, known for its hostile natural environment and the criticism it has received for the inhumane conditions faced by detainees. This center has been highlighted by human rights organizations due to overcrowding, lack of access to basic services, and the unsanitary conditions experienced by the immigrants detained there.
How is the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center being funded?
The "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center is largely funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through the Shelters and Services Program. This funding usage has been a subject of controversy, as FEMA is traditionally responsible for coordinating responses to natural disasters and emergencies.
What criticisms has the Trump administration's immigration policy received?
The immigration policy of the Trump administration has faced criticism for harsh conditions in detention centers, the lack of access to legal counsel for detainees, and the environmental impact of new facilities. Human rights organizations and Democratic leaders have condemned the dehumanization of immigrants and the violation of their fundamental rights, while environmental groups have raised concerns about the damage to the Everglades ecosystem.
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