On Tuesday, June 23rd, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida utilized emergency powers to clear obstacles for the construction of a new illegal immigration detention center deep in the Everglades, named “Alligator Devil Island”.
Prior to this, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) had submitted plans for constructing “Alligator Devil Island”. This comprehensive facility will be used to house illegal immigrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), awaiting processing and deportation. The plan received approval from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on June 23rd.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are rapidly advancing efforts to fulfill the American people’s demand to massively deport criminal illegal immigrants in an economically efficient and innovative manner,” Noem stated on social media.
Benefiting from cooperation with Florida, she mentioned that facilities will be expanded and bed capacity increased within a few days.
She added that these facilities are primarily funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “Shelter and Services” program, which was previously used by the Biden administration to house illegal immigrants.
The selected location is the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades.
The Governor’s Office of Florida stated that using the location for immigration enforcement programs “will not involve clearing vegetation, additional paving, or permanent construction”.
However, efforts by Florida to purchase the property from Miami-Dade County seem to have encountered resistance, as Mayor Daniella Levine Cava requested to sell the 30-square-mile area for $190 million, a price deemed unreasonable by Governor DeSantis’ communications director, Bryan Griffin.
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie wrote to Cava on June 24th, informing her that the Department will use the facility under the emergency powers granted by the Governor.
This authorization is covered in Executive Order 23-03, which declares Florida in a state of emergency due to illegal immigration issues and authorizes Guthrie to act as the state coordinator.
Guthrie cited this emergency authorization in the order, stating that Governor DeSantis authorized the state coordinator to suspend any regulations or executive orders that may impede, obstruct, or delay the response to this emergency situation.
In the letter to Cava, he also cited relevant orders and regulations, indicating that despite ongoing acquisition negotiations, his department will begin using the area for immigration affairs.
Guthrie mentioned in the letter that, “During the negotiation period for the acquisition of the property, the Division of Emergency Management will immediately begin utilizing the improved areas of the site,” emphasizing the necessity of this action to address the emergency situation promptly.
“The time is urgent. We must act swiftly, prepare for operations statewide, and ensure the continuity of operations to assist the federal government in carrying out immigration enforcement tasks,” he said.