DHS: Alligator Alcatraz is state-run and contracted to federal standards; reporters press for detainee details

Secretary Neal said the facility referred to in questions as "Alligator Alcatraz" is a state-run detention site that operates under contracts with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, and he said the facility "is held to the same standards that all federal facilities are".

Reporters asked whether Florida had applied for reimbursements tied to the facility and whether the state had faced any contract issues. Neal said he had "not heard of any issues with any contracts" and described the relationship as a partnership with the governor's office. He also said the facility can be expanded beyond its current thousand-bed capacity and that other states are discussing similar partnerships.

When asked about unannounced visits by state lawmakers to the facility, Neal emphasized that because the site is state-run the governor and facility managers determine access but said federal facilities have protocols for visits and that the department must ensure safety during any visit. "You don't get to just show up with a bunch of protesters and break down a fence and break into a federal facility," he said, and he said he would not allow operations to be disrupted.

Reporters pressed for the proportion of detainees at Alligator Alcatraz who had violent convictions or how many were transferred from other states. Neal declined to provide the specific counts during the briefing, saying "I can find out" and offering to provide case-specific information later while noting he could not disclose children's names or other protected details.

Neal also said contingency and hurricane-response protocols were in place for the facility and that contracts with the state permit federal use of the site under standards required by DHS and ICE.

Ending: Neal said the department would provide additional details on detainee counts and contract reimbursements on request.