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DeSantis defends Alligator Alcatraz deportation site after judge halts DHS transfers; announces new depots
Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis said a court ruling temporarily stopped DHS from using Florida's Alligator Alcatraz deportation site, appealed the decision, and said the state is opening additional deportation depots in Baker County and the Panhandle to process migrants more efficiently.
Governor Ron DeSantis addressed recent litigation over a temporary detention and processing site (referred to in remarks as “Alligator Alcatraz”), saying a federal judge's ruling halted additional DHS transfers to that facility and that the state has appealed to stay the decision.
DeSantis said the state is also establishing a deportation depot in Baker County, northeast of Jacksonville, that he said can hold “another 1,000 to 1,500” people, and that officials are planning a separate facility in the Florida Panhandle to shorten transport times for northern Florida law enforcement.
Why it matters: DeSantis framed the facilities as logistical capacity to enable the federal government to execute deportation orders by providing staging and transportation points. He said about 70,000 people in Florida have final deportation orders that have not been executed and that increased staging capacity speeds repatriation.
Legal and operational details described by the governor: DeSantis said the judge’s challenge focused on the lack of an environmental-impact statement, and he argued the state was not required to complete a federal environmental review for state property. He said that even if the state does not prevail immediately, DHS could prepare the required statement and that the facilities are largely self-contained on airport property. DeSantis said state costs for temporary facilities have been and will be reimbursed by federal funds.
What officials said they would do next: The governor said the state would seek a stay of the judge’s order, continue to operate and expand deportation staging facilities and coordinate with DHS on processing. He emphasized appeals are underway and that the “mission continues.”
No formal legal outcome was announced at the news conference; DeSantis said the state expects to pursue and win appeals and to stand up additional processing capacity while litigation continues.
