Because so much has been happening on the national stage in recent weeks \u2014 the Schumer Shutdown grinding on, the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, President Trump\u2019s bold move to authorize troop deployments to restore order in Portland, and the public outrage over the brutal murder of Charlotte resident Iryna Zarutska \u2014 one major story has flown under the radar: Florida\u2019s so-called \u201cAlligator Alcatraz.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the state level, \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d has drawn plenty of attention \u2014 mostly thanks to Democrats, the corporate press, and other critics who suddenly discovered a concern for fiscal responsibility. They argue Florida taxpayers shouldn\u2019t have to shoulder the cost of what is, in reality, a federal operation.<\/p>\n
Gov. Ron DeSantis has met those complaints head-on. While no doubt entertained by Democrats pretending to clutch their pearls over spending, he\u2019s been clear from the start: Florida will be reimbursed for every dime spent building and running the temporary detention facility.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, DHS confirmed what Gov. DeSantis had been saying all along: Florida won\u2019t be left on the hook. The FEMA grant the state applied for to cover costs tied to \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d had\u00a0already been awarded<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 just before the Schumer Shutdown threw Washington into chaos:<\/p>\n A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Florida submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and was awarded the full $608 million just two days ago.<\/p>\n The Governor\u2019s office confirmed the funds will pay for construction and management of Alligator Alcatraz and \u201cDeportation Depot<\/a>,\u201c a state-run immigration detention center located in Sanderson.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reality is what I have said from the beginning \u2014 we will get reimbursed,\u201d Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Sept. 26.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n