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Ron DeSantis Suggests Building Another Immigrant Detention Center in Florida

Thursday, June 26, 2025 by Alex Smith

Governor Ron DeSantis is contemplating the establishment of a second immigrant detention center in Florida, potentially located at Camp Blanding, a National Guard training site about 30 miles from Jacksonville in the state's northeast. This proposal surfaces as construction progresses on the first center, nicknamed "Alcatraz Alligator," situated on a secluded airstrip in the Everglades. The project has sparked significant debate due to its ecological and humanitarian implications.

During an event in Tampa, DeSantis stated, "We can't house all illegal immigrants in our jails, overcrowding them." He elaborated on his vision, saying, "So we're going for the 'Alcatraz of the Alligators,' and we're also looking to set up a site at Camp Blanding. Florida aims to amplify federal power and will continue to lead in enforcing immigration laws nationwide." The state's Division of Emergency Management is reportedly already preparing for this second center.

This initiative aligns with a coordinated effort alongside former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to increase deportations if he returns to the White House. DeSantis claims that Florida is poised to assist the federal government in expanding its current capacity from 41,000 beds for immigrant detention to at least 100,000. The state plans to contribute 5,000 beds by early July, utilizing temporary structures such as tents and trailers.

The estimated annual cost of the Alcatraz Alligator operation is $450 million, with a daily rate of $245 per bed, which will be reimbursed by FEMA. The choice of location, surrounded by wetlands and alligators, has drawn criticism from environmental activists who warn of risks to the Everglades ecosystem, as well as from human rights advocates who decry the increasing dehumanization of migrants.

The former Dade-Collier airfield, located in the heart of the Everglades, is set to be transformed into a multifunctional detention facility, encompassing legal processing and deportation. Florida has announced its intention to pay $20 million to Miami-Dade and Collier counties for the purchase of the now-defunct air terminal, intended for logistical operations, resource deployment, and emergency response.

With a 10,500-foot runway, the facility will enable direct air operations, and the National Guard will supply military attorneys to serve as immigration judges in a streamlined, state-controlled system. Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier suggests the site could be operational 30 to 60 days after construction begins. Uthmeier defends the site for its natural isolation and "low risk of escape," noting, "There's nowhere to go. If someone escapes, they'll encounter alligators and pythons."

However, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has called for a thorough environmental and social review before the land is ceded. "An unthoughtful action may have significant long-term consequences for our community," she warned. The controversy intensifies with the Camp Blanding proposal, and DeSantis claims the state's emergency management division is "already working on it."

Civil rights organizations have condemned the increase in raids and the hostile atmosphere for migrant communities throughout the state. The future of these centers now hinges on local decisions, federal permits, and potentially legal battles. Meanwhile, Florida becomes a testing ground for radical immigration policies, the reach and consequences of which remain to be seen.

Understanding Florida's Immigration Detention Plans

What is the proposed location for Florida's second immigrant detention center?

The proposed location for Florida's second immigrant detention center is Camp Blanding, a National Guard training site situated about 30 miles from Jacksonville in the state's northeast.

What are the environmental concerns associated with the Alcatraz Alligator project?

Environmental activists have criticized the Alcatraz Alligator project for posing risks to the Everglades ecosystem due to its location surrounded by wetlands and alligators.

How many beds is Florida planning to contribute to the federal immigrant detention system?

Florida plans to contribute 5,000 beds to the federal immigrant detention system by early July, using temporary facilities like tents and trailers.

What is the estimated cost of operating the Alcatraz Alligator facility?

The estimated annual cost of operating the Alcatraz Alligator facility is $450 million, with a daily cost of $245 per bed, reimbursed by FEMA.

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