In a matter of days, an isolated training airport in the Everglades where endangered Florida panthers roam became a sprawling immigration detention center christened "Alligator Alcatraz," modeled after the state's frequent responses to hurricanes and built in part by companies whose owners donated generously to Republicans.
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IMMIGRATION
Republican donors, Florida's hurricane know-how helped build 'Alligator Alcatraz' quickly
- KATE PAYNE, CURT ANDERSON and MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press
- Updated
Workers install a sign reading "Alligator Alcatraz" on July 3 at the entrance to a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility in Ochopee, Fla., as large fencing panels are unloaded from a nearby flatbed.
- Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press
The facility, with heavy-duty tents, trailers and other temporary buildings, is under construction June 27 in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
- Daniel Kozin, Associated Press
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters July 1 as he tours the facility.
- Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump talks with Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., during a July 1 roundtable at the facility.
- Evan Vucci, Associated Press
Environmental advocates and protesters demonstrate June 28 at the under-construction facility.
- Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
An alligator appears July 1 near the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Fla.
- Michael Laughlin, Associated Press
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The facility can still hold detainees but workers will be barred from adding new filling, paving or infrastructure for the next 14 days.
She wrote the state and federal defendants can't bring anyone other than those who already detained at the facility onto the property.
Workers install a sign reading "Alligator Alcatraz" on July 3 at the entrance to a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility in Ochopee, Fla., as large fencing panels are unloaded from a nearby flatbed.
- Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press
