The Trump administration is providing $608 million to states keen to broaden migrant detention efforts.
The cash, introduced via the Federal Emergency Administration Company’s (FEMA) new Detention Help Grant Program (DEP), is geared toward serving to states construct or enlarge non permanent detention amenities modeled after Florida’s Everglades compound often called “Alligator Alcatraz,” based on FEMA paperwork.
“[Department of Homeland Security] Secretary Kristi Noem has been very clear that Alligator Alcatraz could be a blueprint for different states and native governments to help with detention,” a DHS spokesperson informed Fox Information Digital on Friday.
The funding is a part of FEMA’s Shelter and Companies Program and is open for purposes via Aug. 8, per FEMA’s announcement.
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This system is meant to fast-track building of safe, non permanent detention websites on state or native land, sidestepping lengthy procurement delays.
Noem has criticized federal contractors as expensive and gradual, and has inspired governors to take a extra direct position.
“They have been keen to construct it and do it a lot faster than a number of the different distributors,” Noem stated of Florida. “And it was an actual resolution we’ll be capable to make the most of if we have to.”
Florida’s facility was in-built simply eight days on distant Everglades land on the Dade-Collier Airport. It holds as much as 3,000 migrants and is surrounded by fencing, swamp, and pure limitations.
Throughout a July 1 go to, President Donald Trump praised it as “so skilled, so nicely performed,” calling it “a mannequin we’d wish to see in lots of states.”
“We’re surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland, and the one manner out is admittedly deportation,” he added.
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Florida officers confirmed they’re looking for FEMA reimbursement to assist cowl the camp’s estimated $450 million annual working value. State officers say the positioning qualifies for federal funding beneath the brand new grant pointers.
In keeping with Noem, 5 states are at the moment in talks with DHS about constructing related detention amenities.
“We’ve had a number of different states which are truly utilizing Alligator Alcatraz as a mannequin for the way they will accomplice with us,” she stated throughout a latest information briefing.
“I hope my cellphone rings off the hook from governors calling and saying, ‘How can we do what Florida simply did?’”
The brand new funding comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) goals to double detention capability.
ICE reported greater than 56,000 migrants in custody as of June, the very best since 2019, and is concentrating on 100,000 beds by the tip of the yr, based on DHS planning supplies.
Funds will probably be distributed by FEMA in partnership with Customs and Border Safety, based on DHS’ posting.
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FEMA didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.
Fox Information’ Greg Norman, Emma Colton, and Mara Robles contributed to this report.
