First it was alligator prisons in Florida, now Alaska wants a Bear Alcatraz for migrants
Alaska Floats Idea of 'Bear Alcatraz'
The unusual suggestion came during a segment on 'The Ingraham Angle' on Fox News, where the state responded to Florida's new immigration detention facility, the 'Alligator Alcatraz', saying, "We don't have alligators, but we have lots of bears. I am not aware of any plans for an Alaska version of Alligator Alcatraz," as quoted by Newsweek.
Donald Trump's Deportation Push
While Alaska says no official plan exists, the timing of the remark raised speculation, especially as the red states face mounting pressure from the Trump administration to build detention sites of their own and because US president Donald Trump has emphasised to conduct the largest mass deportation operation in US history, according to the report.
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The White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, has recently asked every Republican governor to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to start arranging the construction of new detention facilities to house migrants, as reported by Newsweek.
He said, "Every governor of a red state, if you are watching tonight: pick up the phone, call DHS, work with us to build facilities in your state so we can get the illegals and criminals out," as quoted in the report.
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Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Already Underway
However, Alaska's remark comes after Florida unveiled its new migrant detention center, called 'Alligator Allcatraz' being developed on a remote airstrip in the Everglades, with the goal to house up to 5,000 detainees and using the area's natural isolation and wildlife as part of its security measures, according to Newsweek.
Florida's remote detention center is projected to cost Florida about $450 million annually to operate, as it will cost approximately $245 per bed per day, as per the report. While Florida officials have said that they plan to seek federal reimbursement from the Department of Homeland Security, which will use FEMA funds, according to the Newsweek report.
Facility Details and Legal Framework
As per the report, the new facility is designed to accommodate individuals detained under Florida's expanded immigration enforcement measures and will hold people arrested by state law enforcement via the federal 287(g) program, as well as those transferred to Florida's custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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The Florida facility will be operated by the State of Florida via the Division of Emergency Management and takes advantage of the state's declared immigration emergency, which allows for rapid deployment of resources and National Guard units trained under the 287(g) program, which will help run the site, as reported by Newsweek.
FAQs
Is Alaska actually building a detention center surrounded by bears?
No. There are no official plans, but the idea was mentioned humorously in response to Florida's new facility.
How much will Florida's facility cost?
An estimated $450 million per year, or $245 per bed per day.
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