Deportation Flights Begin from Alcatraz Immigrant Detention Center in Florida

The U.S. continues to ramp up operations against undocumented immigrants, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announcing the start of deportation flights from the Alcatraz Immigrant Detention Center located in the Everglades region. During a press conference near the facility, DeSantis revealed that the first flights, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, had already deported approximately 100 individuals to other countries. He stated, “You will see the numbers increase dramatically.”

Governor DeSantis emphasized that the purpose of the detention center is not merely to hold immigrants but to expedite deportation processes. “This facility was never designed just to hold people. The goal here is to provide a location to increase the frequency and number of deportations,” he said. DeSantis also mentioned that he has requested the U.S. Department of Justice to assign an immigration judge to the center.

The facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its location in the Everglades surrounded by alligators and pythons, was specifically chosen to send a strong message about the consequences of violating immigration laws. White House officials stated that the harsh environment was intended to underscore the seriousness of immigration enforcement.

Built in just a few days, the detention center currently houses around 2,000 individuals, with plans to double its capacity soon. The site is equipped with over 200 security cameras and is surrounded by 8 kilometers of barbed wire. An adjacent private airstrip facilitates the transportation of detainees.