Illegal migrants in the US could soon find themselves facing the wilds of America—possibly even grizzly bears—if one of Donald Trump’s top aides gets his wish.
Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, has urged Republican-led states to follow Florida’s lead and build controversial detention centres for illegal immigrants, similar to the Sunshine State’s newly unveiled “Alligator Alcatraz” reports MailOnline.
“Every governor of a red state, if you are watching tonight: Pick up the phone, call [Department of Homeland Security], work with us to build facilities in your state so we can get the illegals and criminals out,” Miller said during an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle.
The State of Alaska quickly weighed in on the idea. A spokesperson told the programme: “We don’t have alligators, but we have lots of bears.” The state is home to roughly 100,000 black bears, 30,000 brown bears and up to 7,000 polar bears. However, the same spokesperson noted there were “no plans” currently for a northern version of the controversial Florida facility.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he hoped to see more of these remote centres rolled out across the country. “Florida will be getting a second one, and probably a couple more,” he said. “At some point they might morph into a system where you’re going to keep it for a long time.”
Praising the facility’s eerie and isolated location, he added: “It might be as good as the real Alcatraz… that’s a spooky one too. That’s a tough site. I really think it could last as long as they want.”
The former president brushed off criticisms of the plan, saying: “I couldn’t care less” that it was controversial.
Trump toured the Florida site this week, which has drawn fierce criticism from Democrats and activists. The facility features metal cages with prison-style beds, lacking visible toilets, sinks or eating areas. According to Trump, migrants who voluntarily choose to return home will be allowed to do so.
He also revealed plans to potentially exempt farm and construction workers from deportation. “They can be here legally. They can pay taxes and everything else. They aren’t getting citizenship but they get other things,” he said.
Trump confirmed he had given Florida Governor Ron DeSantis the green light to allow National Guard members to serve as judges, with power to decide who should be deported. “Yes, he has my approval. That was not too hard to get,” he said.
Taking a swipe at his predecessor, Trump quipped: “Biden wanted me in here,” gesturing at the stark facility. “It didn’t work out that way. He wanted me in here.”
Despite their previous rivalry during the Republican primaries, Trump now claims he and DeSantis enjoy a strong working relationship. “It’s a ten, 9.9. A couple little wounds. I think we have a 10. We get along great,” he said.
DeSantis echoed the sentiment: “You can call him at any time and he wants to be helpful for governors. I can tell you that.”
The so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” has already sparked backlash. Situated in a swamp 37 miles from Miami, the site is surrounded by alligators, snakes and is vulnerable to hurricanes.
Democrats have condemned it as inhumane, while environmental groups have filed lawsuits in a bid to halt its operations.
“It’s like a theatricalization of cruelty,” said Maria Asuncion Bilbao, from the American Friends Service Committee. Meanwhile, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost branded it a “makeshift prison camp”.