Trump Visits New Immigration Detention Facility

This week, President Donald Trump visited a newly opened immigration detention center in South Florida, humorously referred to as “Crocodile Alcatraz.” While there, he commended Alabama and other Republican-led states for creating similar facilities.

Located at the Dade Carrier Training and Transition Airport in the Florida Everglades, this facility is designed to hold undocumented immigrants transferred from local prisons. It utilizes a repurposed FEMA trailer and features a temporary soft-side construction. The facility is expected to start with around 3,000 detainees, with a potential to accommodate up to 5,000. Essential services like water, sewage, and electricity are provided through mobile setups, and the projected annual operating expenses are around $450 million.

During his tour, Trump was accompanied by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem. He pointed out states like Alabama and Louisiana as examples that are following Florida’s approach, asserting that Republican-led states are stepping in where Democratic administrations have not. “We’re doing it to Louisiana. Alabama is doing it,” Trump mentioned, noting the lack of security initiatives in blue states comparison to red ones.

The Florida facility, described by staff as “all self-contained,” is part of a wider deportation strategy aimed at curbing illegal immigration, as stated by the Trump administration.

Recently, two companies from South Alabama received federal contracts to assist the Department of Homeland Security and Customs Enforcement in increasing the nationwide capacity for detention beds. Additionally, legal challenges regarding the project have emerged from an environmental group, according to reports.

Footage from Trump’s visit, including his remarks, is available through various news outlets.