DeSantis Highlights Statewide Efforts to Detain Nearly 3,000 Illegal Immigrants in Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state law enforcement agencies have detained nearly 3,000 individuals illegally crossing the border, with about 500 possessing criminal backgrounds. During a briefing in Orlando, DeSantis highlighted that 600 of these individuals have been processed at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility in the Everglades, a site that has faced protests from Democrats citing human rights concerns. In addition, the Florida Highway Patrol is establishing a new immigration enforcement unit within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson revealed plans to build an interdiction station at the Alabama-Florida border along U.S. 231, emphasizing that law enforcement officers are enhancing efforts alongside federal and local partners. As part of the state's initiatives, 1,800 Highway Patrol officers have completed training to serve as immigration officers under the 287(g) agreement with ICE, and 100 troopers have been deputized as U.S. marshals to execute federal warrants. DeSantis also mentioned contemplating the use of Camp Blanding, the Florida National Guard’s main training facility, as a potential detention site for illega...