Alligator Alcatraz
FL, Feds Moving Forward With ‘Alligator Alley’ Detention Camp
Michelle Vecerina from FL Voice News
OCHOPEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office informed Miami-Dade County officials that the state will move ahead immediately with plans to use a remote Everglades airfield as a temporary immigration detention center—despite vocal opposition from local leaders, environmental groups, and the Miccosukee Tribe.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management formally notified Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Tuesday of its intent to begin immediate utilization of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, located in Ochopee, under the governor’s emergency powers.
Executive Director of FDEM Kevin Guthrie stated in a letter to Levine Cava that this immediate use is necessary to meet the Division’s “current operational demands in coping with the emergency” of immigration enforcement—even while negotiations to purchase the property are still underway.
“Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to ensure readiness and continuity in our statewide operations to assist the federal government with immigration enforcement,” Guthrie wrote.
The decision to convert the unused airstrip into a temporary migrant detention center comes after Miami-Dade County officials reportedly balked at the state’s purchase offer. The facility is part of a broader push by the state to assist the federal government in its intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~“If people get out, there’s not that much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide.”
FDEM offered to buy the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport—an existing airstrip—for the detention of individuals subject to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers or final deportation orders. DHS has reportedly approved this plan and indicated eligibility for federal reimbursement.
The site, a 30-square-mile property known as the Miami-Dade/Collier Training Facility, is home to a “virtually abandoned airport” and will soon house a 1,000-bed facility for “criminal illegal immigrants,” according to Uthmeier.
“The governor tasked state leaders to identify places for new temporary detention facilities. I think this is the best one: as I call it, ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’” Uthmeier said.
The place started life as The Everglades Jetport in 1968 and was envisioned as the largest airport in the world. Economic considerations killed the grand idea in 1970 after the 11,000ft runway was constructed. The site was retained by the local government as a general aviation and training airport ever since.
Category: Bravo Zulu, Illegal Immigrants