Latest news with #OfficeofAttorneyGeneral
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
What is Alligator Alcatraz and what is its location? See Trump administration facility's cost and concerns
The Trump administration, in partnership with Florida officials, is moving forward with plans to create a detention facility in the Everglades. This facility will be used to hold undocumented migrants before deportation. The project has drawn support from some leaders but concern from others over its location and cost. What is Alligator Alcatraz? The facility, informally named Alligator Alcatraz, will begin operations with temporary holding units. These units will house hundreds of detainees. Construction will expand in the coming weeks, adding more units to hold additional individuals. AP In this image from undated video released by the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier shows an isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles (72 kms.) west of Miami that Florida officials said an immigration detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" is just days away from being operational. (Courtesy of the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via AP) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Migrant Detention Center Cost The federal government will provide funding, while the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) will manage the construction and operation of the site. The estimated cost is about $450 million per year. The money will come from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program. This program was also used during the Biden administration to house asylum seekers. AP This image grab from video shows activity at an immigration detention facility dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz' located at an isolated Everglades airfield. (WSVN via AP) Live Events DHS and Florida Support Project Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the new facility would support large-scale deportations. She emphasized the project is moving fast with help from Florida. The facility will house people arrested in Florida. It will also receive transfers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The plan has been approved by DHS. Also Read: Overwatch 2 Season 17: What is new in upcoming season? See start date, theme, maps updates and new map voting system Florida's Proposal for Federal Support Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's administration proposed the facility earlier this year. They submitted a 37-page plan to the federal government. It included a request for reimbursements and fewer restrictions in dealing with undocumented migrants. The plan stated that Florida's highways and location attract smuggling activities. These include the movement of people, drugs, weapons and money. According to Pew Research Center, Florida's undocumented population grew by about 400,000 between 2019 and 2022. The total is estimated at 1.2 million people. The state argues that the size of this population requires changes in detention policies. AP Dubbing the proposal via video, the Republican said the facility "Alligator Alcatraz," is home to more than 200,000 alligators. Facility's Location The facility will be built at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. This site is about 36 miles from Miami. It is a remote area surrounded by the Everglades. Originally developed in the 1960s for commercial use, the site has remained largely unused. Florida officials said the airport's airstrip would make transporting detainees easier. The site's isolation was described as a security advantage. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that the remote location makes it difficult for people to escape or hide. Also Read: You won't believe who Zohran Mamdani's parents are? Meet acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani State Takes Control After Failed Purchase Florida first tried to buy the property from Miami-Dade County. But the state and county did not agree on a price. Florida then used emergency powers to take control of the site. FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie wrote to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava about the state's plan. He said the site must be used quickly due to operational demands. DeSantis issued the emergency declaration in June 2023. He has renewed it every 60 days. The current extension ends August 2, 2025. AP In this image from undated video released by the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier shows an isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles (72 kms.) west of Miami that Florida officials said an immigration detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" is just days away from being operational. (Courtesy of the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via AP) Concerns Raised by Local Officials Mayor Levine Cava said the state is moving too quickly. She told The Hill that there has been little time to study the full effects of the project. She expressed concerns about the environmental impact on the Everglades. She noted that the state has spent billions on Everglades restoration. She also questioned how such a large facility could avoid affecting the ecosystem. The mayor also raised concerns about the proposed purchase price. She said the state offered $20 million, much less than the property's appraised value. FAQs What is the purpose of the detention facility in Florida's Everglades? The facility will hold undocumented migrants awaiting deportation. It is part of a federal-state effort to increase detention capacity under current immigration enforcement plans. Why are people concerned about the location of the detention center? The site is in the Everglades, which may face environmental harm. Local leaders are also concerned about the lack of review and the speed of the project's launch.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Six from Cameron and Elk County arrested for dealing meth, fentanyl
PENNSYLVANIA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Six people from Cameron and Elk County, along with one other, have been charged with dealing drugs, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. Seven people have been arrested for allegedly selling meth and fentanyl in multiple counties of Northern Pennsylvania, including Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter and Warren counties. Here are the names of those charged: Kyle P. Brown, 39, of Emporium Marry Ann Stolburg, 61, of Ridgway Justin Meyer, 38, of Saint Marys Beau Azzato, 20, of Saint Marys Richard Bauer, 64, of Johnsonburg Josh Dalton, 35, of Ridgway Benjamin Simms, 31, of Coudersport PD: Man on meth tried to burn someone's American flag in Elk County According to a release, Simms was a mid-level dealer who was trafficking drugs from New York, while the rest were street-level dealers. They also noted that Simms and Brown were allegedly working together while the others operated independently. Each is facing charges of possession with the intent to deliver, conspiracy, and other related offenses. 'These traffickers pushed poisons into rural Pennsylvania communities,' Attorney General Sunday said. 'My mission to target drug traffickers spans the entire Commonwealth, and I commend our partners for collaboration that will have real impact in this region.' The Office of Attorney General will be prosecuting Simms and Brown, while the Elk County District Attorney's Office will prosecute the remaining defendants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Attorney General urges Congress to pass youth drug prevention bill
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that he joined a coalition calling on Congress to pass a bill that aims to reduce youth drug use through education and outreach. The bill, known as the 'Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act,' would employ prevention methods that have been proven to be effective in forming public service announcements and initiatives. The announcements would be created by student peers and aimed at young people when they have their first exposure to dangerous substances. 'Protecting children is a core function of the Office of Attorney General, and it is crucial that young people receive this positive messaging at a time when they are most impressionable. Without a doubt, the best way to solve a problem or crisis is to prevent it from happening,' Sunday said. 'As a father, I am well aware of the challenges and influences facing our children. We must do all we can to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices.' The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and looks to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The amendments would provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements, youth-led campaigns and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use. 'This thoughtful and timely legislation represents a critical, evidence-based step toward reducing youth substance use through strategic public education and engagement,' The letter sent by the coalition reads. The bill would fund a range of efforts to better reach youth with timely, credible and accessible information, including: Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth. Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity. Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms, and other media. Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability. The coalition of attorneys general stressed that youth substance use remains a 'growing public health and public safety concern.' In addition to Sunday, the letter was signed by Attorneys General from 33 other states and territories. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
$6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania, officers treated for drug exposure
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM) – A 'major' Pennsylvania-based fentanyl trafficking network was disbanded this week, resulting in the seizure of more than $6 million worth of fentanyl and xylazine. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says investigators made arrests during vehicle stops and search warrants on the 2800 block of North Franklin Street in Philadelphia, where 'agents encountered an active fentanyl-packaging operation.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The Attorney General's office says individuals attempted to destroy evidence by throwing fentanyl into a sink, causing inxoticants to become airborne. Several officers were treated for ingestion and were released. More than 41 pounds of fentanyl and xylazine were recovered, accounting for at least 200,000 doses, as well as $185,000 in suspected trafficking profits. The Attorney General's office says seven people will be charged with corrupt organizations. 'We simply cannot overstate the dangers of fentanyl or the great police work involved here which surely saved the lives of countless Pennsylvanians who these drug traffickers intended to profit from,' Attorney General Sunday said. 'We seized hundreds of thousands of potentially deadly doses, which were headed to communities across the Commonwealth. I commend the officers who put themselves in harm's way to stop this trafficking operation, and am thankful no one was seriously injured.' Homeland Security Investigations, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office served the search warrants. The Office of Attorney General will prosecute the cases, and the investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Who doesn't?' AI child pornography found on Altoona man's devices, agents report
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — An Altoona man was charged after agents with the Office of Attorney General alleged child sex abuse material was sent from his Snapchat. Joseph Blair Hazlett, 43, was charged with four counts of child pornography, two counts of disseminating photo or video of child sex acts, and one count of criminal use of a communications facility after agents received a tip about child sex abuse material being sent over Snapchat in May 2024. According to the criminal complaint, agents of the Office of Attorney General and officers with the Altoona Police Department ultimately executed a search warrant at Hazlett's residence Thursday, May 15, after an extensive investigation. While speaking with agents, Hazlett was asked if he looks at child pornography, to which he allegedly replied, 'Who doesn't?' 2 charged, accused of selling 'burner' gun out of Altoona house Hazlett continued and allegedly admitted to the emails and screen names in question belonging to him, charging documents show. Hazlett also allegedly described the Snapchat photo of a young boy that triggered the investigation. Agents alleged Hazlett was found with one actual image of child sex abuse material and three artificially generated was arraigned Thursday and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
