Watch Gov. Ron DeSantis Asked How The Federal Government Will Reimburse Florida For Alligator Alcatraz | US Hub

 

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DeSantis Defends Federal Reimbursement for Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Site

Tallahassee, FL — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to questions Monday about how the federal government would reimburse the state for expenses related to “Alligator Alcatraz”, a temporary detention facility established to process illegal migrants on repurposed state property in the Everglades.

Speaking at a press briefing, DeSantis emphasized that the process of federal reimbursement is routine, citing precedents from disaster recovery efforts.

“The federal government reimburses us for stuff all the time,” he said. “When we had Hurricane Milton, for example, the Biden administration approved 100% reimbursement for debris removal and emergency protective measures. This isn’t any different.”

“Alligator Alcatraz,” so nicknamed for its secure and remote location surrounded by Everglades terrain, is one of several temporary facilities Florida has stood up in coordination with the state’s immigration enforcement push.

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“We’re Just Doing the Job”

DeSantis also criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, arguing that federal inaction has forced states like Florida to step up.

“Biden decimated ICE and invited illegal entry into this country,” DeSantis charged. “They’re not serious about interior enforcement, and if states just sit on their hands, nothing gets done. We’re happy to do this. We just want to get the job done.”

The governor clarified that these facilities are not meant to be permanent, pointing to the temporary structures erected on massive airport tarmacs and other state-controlled land.

“They’re set up with temporary structures, and once the mission is complete, they’ll be taken down and the land restored. It’s not about commandeering these areas indefinitely,” he explained.

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How Much Will It Cost?

While estimates about the project’s cost have circulated widely, DeSantis said it's premature to assign an exact dollar figure. He noted that the final reimbursement amounts will likely depend on how many migrants are processed and how long the facilities are operational.

“People throw around numbers, but it really depends. What we’re doing is temporary. We’re not building permanent infrastructure,” he said.

DeSantis also said that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now has more funding, and Florida stands ready to scale back its operations if the federal government becomes fully capable of handling the situation.

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“Lead by Example”

In closing, DeSantis said Florida isn’t seeking credit but wants to lead by example in tackling illegal immigration.

“If every state did a fraction of what Florida is doing, you’d see rapid progress,” he stated. “We’re not used to sitting back and waiting for someone else to lead on these issues.”

“Alligator Alcatraz” continues to operate as part of Florida’s broader strategy to support federal immigration enforcement with state-level action, even as debates over jurisdiction, cost, and constitutional authority persist.

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🐊 Top FAQs – Gov. DeSantis on 'Alligator Alcatraz' & Federal Reimbursement

1. What is "Alligator Alcatraz"?

Answer: “Alligator Alcatraz” is the nickname for a temporary migrant detention site established by the state of Florida on a remote, secure site in the Everglades. It is part of the state’s efforts to assist in immigration enforcement amid what Gov. DeSantis describes as federal inaction.

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2. Will the federal government reimburse Florida for the facility?

Answer: Yes. Governor DeSantis confirmed that the federal government is expected to reimburse Florida for expenses related to the operation, just as it routinely does for disaster relief efforts, such as hurricane response.

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3. How much will it cost the federal government to reimburse Florida?

Answer: The total cost is uncertain and depends on variables like how many migrants are processed and how long the facility remains operational. DeSantis declined to speculate on specific figures, cautioning that estimates being circulated are likely inaccurate.

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4. Is the facility intended to be permanent?

Answer: No. DeSantis emphasized that the structures are temporary and will be dismantled after use. Sites like the one at a South Florida airport and Camp Blanding are being used to quickly support processing efforts and will be returned to their original status once the mission is complete.

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5. Why did Florida create its own detention facility?

Answer: DeSantis said the federal government under President Biden has weakened immigration enforcement, prompting Florida to take proactive measures. He criticized what he sees as a lack of seriousness from the administration in securing the border and enforcing immigration law.

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6. What role does DHS play in this?

Answer: According to DeSantis, if the Department of Homeland Security is able to fully handle migrant detention and processing in the future, Florida will step back. The state’s role is intended to fill the gap left by federal shortcomings, not to replace DHS permanently.

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7. Is this type of federal reimbursement common?

Answer: Yes. DeSantis compared the process to post-hurricane relief, where local or state governments spend money on response efforts and are later reimbursed by the federal government, often at 100% for certain activities.

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8. How secure is the Alligator Alcatraz site?

Answer: DeSantis described the Everglades location as “foolproof” in terms of security, thanks to its remote geography and controlled infrastructure. Temporary structures have been set up on existing concrete slabs, making the site highly secure and efficient to manage.

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9. Will other states follow Florida’s lead?

Answer: DeSantis believes that if more states took similar action, the national immigration crisis would be addressed more effectively. He encouraged other governors to do “just a fraction” of what Florida is doing.

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10. Is Florida seeking political credit for this effort?

Answer: No, according to DeSantis. He said the goal is not to claim political victory, but simply to “get the job done” in the absence of adequate federal enforcement.