(The Hill) — President Donald Trump was in Florida on Tuesday attending the grand opening of a new migrant detention facility in a remote part of the swampy Everglades, which has stirred some controversy.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) had promised to have the facility, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” operational ahead of Trump’s visit. The president was expected to be joined by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The migrant center, nestled near the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, includes soft-sided holding units for hundreds of detainees through a partnership in which the federal government will provide the funding. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has overseen its build-out and management. It will house detainees from the Sunshine State and transfers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Trump’s visit also included a walking tour of the site near Ochopee, Florida.