The state of Florida has reportedly been reimbursed over $600 million by the Trump administration for the construction of "Alligator Alcatraz," the state's illegal alien detention center located in the Everglades.
WPLG reporter Christina Boomer Vazquez first reported the news on Thursday, October 2nd. The money will specifically come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"A DHS spokesperson tells me FEMA awarded reimbursement on September 30 (a day before the government shutdown) 'to the full amount they [Florida] applied for. $608M,'" Vazquez shared on X, citing a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official. "It is not immediately clear if the $608M will be exclusively spent on Alligator Alcatraz."
Alligator Alcatraz was expected to cost around $450M, leaving the additional funds possibly open to other illegal migrant operations in the state. A sister facility, "Deportation Depot," was opened near Jacksonville last month.
Another center, "Panhandle Pokey," could be opened shortly.
"Another bogus narrative bites the dust," DeSantis said following the return. "I said all along that we would be reimbursed."
The news follows Gov. DeSantis's announcement of another round of reimbursements from the Department of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel in support of their duties combating illegal immigration in the state.
"This is funding that can go straight to equipment, to the work that's being done out on the street, and to other supplies and resources that our officers need," ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said last month.
Florida has largely led the way on illegal immigration enforcement, a key priority set by President Donald Trump in his return to the White House.
Along with Alligator Alcatraz, Deportation Depot, and the planned Panhandle Pokey, Gov. Ron DeSantis has carried out a series of illegal immigration policies, including Operation Tidal Wave earlier this year.
Back in February, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a package of anti-illegal immigration measures into law, including deporting undocumented migrants who reenter the state illegally.
