Donald Trump toured a new immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, suggesting it could be a model for nationwide lockups. He wants similar centers in many states and even mentioned deporting U.S. citizens. He endorsed using the Florida National Guard as immigration judges.
The facility, "Alligator Alcatraz," is meant for dangerous migrants, with deportation as the primary way out. The remote location, teeming with alligators, was chosen to send a message about consequences for violating immigration laws. Trump joked about escape attempts, advising a zigzag running pattern.
He dismissed environmental concerns, claiming the facility enhances the Everglades. Critics protested, arguing migrants don't deserve incarceration. Supporters also attended, with one suggesting voters wanted "mass deportation."
Trump has previously considered reopening Alcatraz and using Guantánamo Bay and a megaprison in El Salvador. His administration vows mass deportations. He also mentioned deporting dangerous U.S.-born individuals.
Florida plans to use the National Guard to assist immigration judges. The center has an estimated annual cost, with some funding from FEMA. Trump bonded with Governor DeSantis and the Homeland Security Secretary said immigrants could "self-deport.
5 Comments
Eric Cartman
Degrading migrants to the level of 'dangerous criminals' shows a total lack of understanding.
Stan Marsh
Immigrants contribute so much to our country; we should be supporting them, not locking them away.
Coccinella
This is not how we should handle immigration! We need empathy, not fear.
Muchacho
The Everglades should be preserved, not used for an incarceration facility!
ZmeeLove
His methods are archaic and detrimental to society! We need reform, not punishment.