'Alligator Alcatraz': Florida immigration detention center approved for $608 million reimbursement

$608M reimbursement approved for 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Florida has been approved for a $608 million reimbursement for the costs of building and running "Alligator Alcatraz," the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. However, this now exposes the facility to the potential risk of being ordered to close for a second time.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The State of Florida has been approved for a $608 million reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center.

$608M for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ costs

What we know:

Last week, federal officials confirmed Florida had been approved for a $608 million reimbursement for the costs of building and running "Alligator Alcatraz." The funds will cover costs for building and operating Florida's immigration detention efforts.

Although the funds have been approved, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) process requires that it review expenses for which reimbursement requests are made before the funds can be released. 

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This review process could potentially expose the immigration detention facility to the risk of being ordered to close for a second time.  

The backstory:

Last month, a federal appeals court paused a judge’s order to shut down "Alligator Alcatraz." The ruling paused a lower court’s order that cited environmental concerns for shutting it down. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the decision, saying the mission "continues."

FULL REMARKS: DeSantis speaks at Alligator Alcatraz

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and top state officials spoke Friday morning at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in the Everglades. DeSantis provided an update on deportation flights now operating from the facility’s on-site runway, highlighting its role in accelerating the removal of detainees.

What is ‘Alligator Alcatraz?’

Dig deeper:

The immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades was hastily built this summer to meet President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement push, with Florida officials spending more than $245 million on construction and operations. The site was carved out of a remote training airport in sensitive wetlands. 

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The facility opened on July 1 and was built to hold up to 3,000 detainees. The first group of detainees arrived on July 3, and the opening day event was marked by a visit from Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Full tour of 'Alligator Alcatraz': Trump visits Florida ICE detention facility

President Donald Trump took a tour of "Alligator Alcatraz" on Tuesday in the Florida Everglades. The president spoke with the media as he toured the brand new immigration detention facility.

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ongoing controversy

Big picture view:

There has been a large amount of controversy surrounding "Alligator Alcatraz" since it first opened. 

Federal court allows 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center to stay

A federal appeals court has paused a judge?s order that would have shut down Florida?s controversial ?Alligator Alcatraz? immigration detention center facility in the Florida Everglades.

The concerns stem from allegations of inhumane conditions for undocumented immigrants, environmental concerns due to its location in the Everglades, and legal challenges disputing the legality of its operation and construction. Critics point to isolated conditions, potential lack of access to legal counsel and the facility's remote, wildlife-rich location as problematic.

However, the Trump administration and DHS defend the facility as a necessary measure that meets federal standards. The leaders say the facility is a necessary and efficient measure to house migrants and deter illegal immigration, and that the facility is clean and provides adequate medical and legal access.