Miami Next week, the Florida National Guard will send about 100 troops to assist with securing Alligator Alcatraz, an immigration detention facility located deep within the Everglades that is scheduled to open on July 1.
The complex is being constructed to house hundreds of detained immigrants in heavy-duty tents and trailers, and troops will assist in securing the perimeter and entry points. Although up to 100 men are expected to be mobilized to the location as of Thursday, Brittianie Funderburk, a Florida National Guard spokesperson, stated that the number may rise in the future.
Given the dynamic nature of the situation, we do not have a defined timeframe for this assignment; nevertheless, we will remain on the ground for as long as necessary and at Governor DeSantis’ discretion. According to Funderburk’s email on Thursday.
One aspect of the state’s massive effort to construct and run an immigration detention center in a few days is the deployment of troops to the location. Troops from the Florida Highway Patrol were also informed on Wednesday that they will have to assist in guarding the facility’s gates for at least the next 30 days.
To help construct a tiny grid of tents and trailers with on-site medical services, a kitchen, and portable restrooms where employees and inmates would spend their days in the coming months, the state has sought the assistance of dozens of private enterprises in addition to security.
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