Border Czar Tom Homan has criticized the decision by a federal judge to close a federal detention center that has become known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
These comments follow shortly after a federal judge in Miami issued a preliminary injunction, stating that the immigration detention center may no longer accept new detainees and must be empty within 60 days, according to the Florida Phoenix.
Homan discussed the center and the injunction on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom, stating that he “spent the entire day down there” and that the judge lacks the necessary knowledge to make this decision.
“I disagree with the judge that made that decision,” Homan added. “I went down there. I walked into detention areas. I saw a clean, well-maintained facility.”
Homan claimed that there is a “great medical program” at the center and there have been no serious medical concerns during the timeframe that the center was in use, adding that the center was placed on existing concrete to keep environmental concerns in check.
“So I don’t understand the judge’s ruling. I think it’s a radical decision. I think it’s really about anti-immigration enforcement rather than the conditions of the facility. I was there. Look, it’s a transition facility. It’s not a long term facility,” he said.
Homan stated that more long-term facilities should be developed in the future, noting that the country can now afford to create such centers.
“I truly believe we need more brick and mortar. We have the money now to do it. We need to build an infrastructure that’s gonna last. We need more brick and mortar facilities for longer term detention.”
Although there is no indication whether more long-term facilities will be created in the future, at least one additional temporary facility is currently being constructed in Florida.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced another detainee temporary center, which he has dubbed “Deportation Depot.”
DeSantis stated at a news conference that the center is “ready-made” for detainees and a cost-effective option compared to alternatives, noting that the facility can accommodate over 1,300 people at a time.