FEMA Funding for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Under Scrutiny Amidst New Details
FEMA Funding for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Under Scrutiny Amidst New Details
A controversial immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is reportedly being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program, according to recent statements. This facility, expected to house up to 5,000 detainees, is situated on an airfield approximately 45 miles west of Miami, designed for individuals awaiting deportation.
Initial reports indicated that the state of Florida provided the first $450 million for the center’s creation and first-year operations, with plans to seek reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. This program, established in 2023 under the Biden administration, was originally intended to alleviate overcrowding in Customs and Border Protection facilities and support non-federal entities aiding noncitizens. However, the purpose of the FEMA program is now said to have shifted, focusing on the detention of individuals awaiting deportation.
The facility itself consists of tents, trailers, and temporary buildings with bunk beds, surrounded by chain-link fencing. Officials have stated that detainees will have access to medical care, air conditioning, recreation yards, and support from attorneys and clergy. The isolated location in the Everglades, known for its alligators, pythons, and mosquitoes, contributed to its colloquial name, reminiscent of Alcatraz prison.
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