The White House, alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has been encouraging Republican-led states across the U.S. to emulate Florida’s newly established detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the Everglades. This facility is intended to detain illegal immigrants, and some Republican states are already showing interest or have plans for similar installations. For instance, South Carolina’s representatives humorously noted their lack of alligators but expressed enthusiasm for their own version, highlighting a regional push among GOP officials to tackle immigration issues by establishing these detention centers.
Several states are actively planning or have already initiated steps to follow Florida’s example. Georgia is set to build the largest detention facility in the country, as indicated by Governor Brian Kemp’s spokesperson. Georgia has already been proactive regarding immigration enforcement, maintaining a strong National Guard presence at the southern border and collaborating with ICE. Arkansas, under Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is constructing a new 3,000-bed prison designed to facilitate the detention of immigrant criminals. This indicates a broader trend among GOP governors to adopt stricter immigration policies.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster’s team confirmed ongoing collaboration with federal officials to enhance immigration enforcement and deportation efforts. In Idaho, Governor Brad Little’s office disclosed plans to support President Trump’s immigration agenda through state initiatives, such as an agreement with ICE for assistance in transporting detained individuals. These developments showcase an organized response among various Republican states to manage illegal immigration.
Prompted by their shared objectives, White House officials are advocating for all Republican governors to create their own detention facilities similar to “Alligator Alcatraz.” Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller actively called for these governors to engage with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expedite the establishment of such facilities. This narrative emphasizes the idea that a unified approach among Republican states can bolster efforts to deal with illegal immigration effectively.
During Trump’s visit to Florida, he met with DeSantis and other leaders to tour the new facility, emphasizing its strategic location amidst the treacherous swamplands. The facility’s design includes sturdy tents to accommodate 5,000 detainees, describing it as a crucial element in the administration’s strategy to expedite deportations. Trump remarked on the facility’s formidable surroundings, suggesting that only deportation would be a viable “way out,” further drawing attention to the facility’s purpose.
Governor DeSantis has publicly encouraged his Republican counterparts to adopt similar strategies, stating that red states need to adopt such solutions, even on a smaller scale. He argues that a collective effort among states would significantly enhance deportation rates, responding to what he frames as an immigration crisis exacerbated by current federal policies. This concerted effort by GOP states illustrates a decisive stance on immigration enforcement, reaffirming a core political priority for many elected officials within the Republican party.
