DeSantis justifies the plan for 'Alligator Alcatraz', as critics question its necessity for additional prison beds

In a bid to address the federal judge's order to close the Everglades detention facility within 60 days, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is working diligently to find additional detention beds. Known as "Alligator Alcatraz," the Everglades facility has reportedly seen a sharp reduction in its population.

The order, issued last week, has prompted state and federal officials to ask for a delay in the shutdown. The federal officials argued that the beds at the Everglades facility are needed to prevent the release of undocumented immigrants who are considered criminal due to overcrowding in other detention facilities.

DeSantis' efforts are not limited to the Everglades detention facility. He is also looking to find additional beds beyond the planned new facility in Baker County near Jacksonville. The new detention beds, intended to accommodate more immigrants, will be located in addition to these existing facilities, though specific details about their location and opening date are yet to be announced.

In a recent statement made in Orlando, Florida, DeSantis defended the state's efforts, explaining that they are aimed at preventing the release of undocumented immigrants who are considered criminal due to overcrowding in other detention facilities.

The Everglades detention facility, which opened on July 1, is under threat of shutdown. The planned new detention facility in Baker County is reportedly under development, but no specifics about who will present the new details or the exact opening date have been released yet.

As DeSantis' efforts continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The federal judge's order remains a significant challenge, but the governor's determination to provide necessary detention beds is clear.