In the midst of national events that have recently dominated headlines, such as the Schumer Shutdown, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, President Trump's decision to deploy troops to Portland, and the public outcry following the murder of Charlotte resident Iryna Zarutska,.
Florida's Alligator Alcatraz has somewhat slipped under the radar. However, on a state level, the temporary detention facility, which opened its doors in July, has been a focal point of discussion, particularly among Democrats, the corporate press, and other critics who argue that Florida taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of what they deem a federal operation.
According to RedState, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has consistently maintained that the state would be reimbursed for the costs associated with the construction and operation of the facility. This stance was validated on Thursday when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had granted Florida the $608 million it had requested in relation to the facility, just before the Schumer Shutdown commenced.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed, "Florida submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and was awarded the full $608 million just two days ago." The Governor's office further clarified that these funds would be allocated towards the construction and management of Alligator Alcatraz and the "Deportation Depot," a state-run immigration detention center located in Sanderson.
Governor DeSantis, on September 26, had confidently stated, The reality is what I have said from the beginning we will get reimbursed. Following the announcement of the FEMA grant, DeSantis took to social media to celebrate the victory, writing, "Another bogus narrative bites the dust. I said all along that we would be reimbursed."
DeSantis also took the opportunity to criticize Florida Democrats for their earlier concerns about the funding of the facility. He stated, FL Dems are the dictionary definition of failure theater, referring to their claims that Florida taxpayers were shouldering the cost of a federal immigration law function after Alligator Alcatraz became operational.
In addition to funding for Alligator Alcatraz and the Deportation Depot, speculation is rife that a portion of the FEMA grant could be utilized for the "Panhandle Pokey," a third detention facility in Florida. Governor DeSantis has indicated that this facility is in the early planning stages, amidst ongoing legal disputes with environmentalist groups over Alligator Alcatraz.
The need for a third facility was highlighted during a conversation with law enforcement officials in Panama City. DeSantis explained, You're in the Panhandle, sending to Alligator Alcatraz, that's a long way. Even sending to the Deportation Depot in North Florida, that could be three to five hours, depending on where you are in the Panhandle. And so, they were like, is there a way we can get a facility that's going to be closer to us? And so we said, yes.
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