Florida Proposes Everglades Detention Site
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The state of Florida has advanced a significant proposal offering $20 million to Miami-Dade and Collier counties for the acquisition of a large, currently unused tract of land within the Everglades. The state’s stated objective for this investment is to establish a substantial immigrant detention center on the site, specifically at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.
This initiative has quickly garnered attention, partly due to a striking moniker applied by State Attorney General James Uthmeier, who referred to the potential facility as the “Alcatraz of the Alligators.” The proposal underscores the state’s proactive stance on immigration enforcement.
Details of the State’s Offer
The formal offer was communicated through a letter of intent from Kevin Guthrie, who serves as the Director of the state’s Emergency Management Division. This correspondence was directed to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, outlining the state’s specific plan for the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport property.
The airport, situated strategically within the Everglades area, presents a unique logistical profile. A key feature cited in the state’s plan is the utilization of the airport’s existing 10,500-foot runway. While the exact operational role of the runway in the detention center’s daily functions was not fully detailed, its mention highlights the state’s intention to leverage the site’s existing infrastructure.
Proposed Capacity and Functions
The core concept behind the proposed detention center is to create a single, comprehensive facility capable of housing a significant number of individuals. The state’s plan specifies a target capacity of 1,000 immigrants. These individuals are identified in the proposal as those who have entered the country illegally.
The facility is envisioned as a consolidated hub designed to streamline the process of immigration enforcement. It is intended to serve multiple functions under one roof, specifically encompassing the stages of arrest, legal processing, and eventual deportation for the individuals housed there.
Timeline and Support Structure
The timeline for the potential operationalization of the facility appears ambitious, according to reports. Telemundo 51 has reported on comments attributed to Attorney General Uthmeier suggesting that, following the necessary construction or retrofitting work, the site could become operational remarkably quickly – within a window of just 30 to 60 days.
Further details regarding the state’s implementation strategy indicate that the project is expected to receive substantial support from the Florida National Guard. This support structure is planned to extend beyond logistical or security assistance. The proposal anticipates the involvement of military lawyers from the National Guard, who are intended to fulfill a crucial role by acting as immigration judges within the facility. This element suggests a state-led legal processing component to the detention and deportation efforts.
Local Concerns and Environmental Implications
While the state has articulated a clear vision and rationale for the proposed detention center, the initiative has already faced significant questions and reservations from local leadership.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has been particularly vocal in expressing her concerns regarding the potential implications of establishing such a large-scale facility in this specific location. Her stated worries center on both the ecological and social impacts that the project could generate. The Everglades is a globally significant and environmentally sensitive ecosystem, raising immediate questions about potential consequences for the delicate natural habitats and wildlife.
Beyond the environmental aspect, the social impact on the surrounding communities and the individuals who might be detained at the facility are also points of concern that local officials are evaluating. The remote nature of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport site, while potentially advantageous from a security perspective, could also present challenges related to access for legal aid, family visits, and community oversight.
Outlook
The state’s $20 million offer to Miami-Dade and Collier counties for the acquisition of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport represents a concrete step towards realizing the vision of a dedicated, large-capacity immigrant detention center in the Everglades. While proponents highlight the potential for consolidated processing and enforcement, the proposal faces scrutiny regarding its rapid timeline, logistical complexities, and significant potential ecological and social ramifications, particularly voiced by local leadership like Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The future of the “Alcatraz of the Alligators” remains subject to ongoing negotiations and public debate.
