Florida Contractors Fund DeSantis Amid Alligator Alcatraz Immigration Detention

The Florida Everglades' new immigrant detention facility, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," has been built primarily with state funds despite initial claims by President Donald Trump that FEMA would cover the costs. The state Department of Emergency Management used taxpayer money upfront, awaiting potential but uncertain federal reimbursement, while environmental activists have challenged the facility's impact on the sensitive ecosystem. Among the contractors involved, three have made significant political donations to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida, notably CDR Maguire and its affiliate CDR Health, whose executives have contributed nearly $1.9 million to DeSantis-supporting PACs. These executives are close allies of DeSantis and linked to other state-affiliated activities and investigations, including the Hope Florida Foundation charity led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. Other contractors such as GardaWorld and Gothams LLC also contributed financially to GOP campaigns and provide staffing and technology services for the facility. The center aims to house up to 3,000 detainees, with DeSantis and President Trump emphasizing its role in expediting immigration proceedings by deputizing National Guard Judge Advocate General officers as immigration judges to reduce court backlogs and speed deportations.