Alabama Attorney General’s Vision for Immigration Detention
Alabama’s Attorney General, Steve Marshall, is looking to model his state’s approach on Florida’s initiative, aiming to support the Trump administration by creating temporary facilities to hold illegal immigrants arrested by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Referred to as “Wannial Catraz,” the facility in Florida is a state-funded site located at the isolated Dade Carrier training and transition airport within the Everglades. It aims to enhance the resources available for removing immigrants.
However, environmental organizations and the Mikkoski tribe have taken legal action, arguing that the state bypassed the necessary federal environmental review processes. Recently, on September 4th, a divided panel from the 11th Circuit Court chose to put a lower court’s order to close on hold. Current records suggest federal funds did not trigger the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), allowing Florida to continue operating the site while the matter is under appeal.
On Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled in a 2-1 decision to overturn the earlier lower court’s order, thereby permitting the operation of the “Wannial Catraz” detention facility in Florida.
During a recent broadcast of Just the News: No Noise, Marshall, who is also running for a US Senate seat in 2026, shared his thoughts on the subject.
“I think we might name it yellowhammer-something,” he mentioned, reflecting on Alabama’s history.
To this, Amanda Head, a co-host of the show, suggested the name “Alabama Slammer,” which Marshall expressed enthusiasm for.
“Count me in,” he replied, indicating he would relay this idea to the relevant authorities.
Marshall reiterated that Alabama is aligned with President Trump regarding immigration issues.
“It’s interesting to note that Alabama already has facilities in the immigration system to handle such situations,” he elaborated. “Florida established the facility for federal purposes, although a district judge in Florida indicated it did not meet one requirement pertaining to federal contractors.”
Marshall believes the Court of Appeals’ decision will motivate other states to back ICE.
“The 11th Circuit’s ruling allows Florida to continue its efforts,” he stated. “This legislation also prepares the groundwork for other states to support the Trump administration and Secretary Noem in addressing the issues stemming from the Biden administration.”
