Federal Funds Support Florida’s Immigration Detention Center Initiative

(MENAFN) On Monday, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the federal government will provide financial support for Florida’s initiative to open immigration detention centers, including the proposed facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades.

Noem explained that much of the funding for Florida’s detention centers will come through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s shelter and services program. This program helps cities and organizations that receive migrants released from federal custody at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"Under President Trump's leadership, we are working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people's mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens," Noem told media.

She added, "We will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida."

Last week, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed plans to convert an unused airfield in the Everglades into a detention center for immigrants with criminal records, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Uthmeier highlighted the site’s natural defenses, cautioning that any detainees attempting to escape would confront alligators and pythons with nowhere to hide.

On Monday, Uthmeier confirmed federal approval for Florida’s detention center projects, which could accommodate up to 5,000 detainees and begin functioning as temporary facilities as early as next month.

This development aligns with a wider Republican-led push by several states to support the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation agenda.

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