Florida Opens 'Alligator Alcatraz' Migrant Center Ahead Trump Visit

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the new immigration detention center, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," will be ready for operations by the time President Donald Trump visits on Tuesday. The facility, located in a remote area of the Everglades, is designed to hold hundreds of detainees and is funded largely by the federal government through FEMA's Shelter and Services Program. DeSantis emphasized that Florida is leading efforts to address immigration issues and called for broader national participation, noting the lack of detention space as a significant challenge in enforcing immigration laws. Trump, who has expressed excitement about the facility, will be joined at the opening by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Rep. Byron Donalds, whom Trump has endorsed for Florida governor. The facility's construction and management are overseen by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, with plans to expand holding units in the coming months. DeSantis and Trump have aligned on immigration policies, with DeSantis previously calling for a special state legislative session to implement Trump's immigration agenda.