Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is sending a strong message to those opposing his “Alligator Alcatraz” project: don’t expect any sympathy. The governor recently announced the creation of a new detention center deep in the Everglades, designed to house illegal immigrants until deportation. The facility is strategically located in an area teeming with alligators and pythons, making escape nearly impossible without risking deadly encounters with the surrounding wildlife.
As Alligator Alcatraz gears up for its expected opening on Tuesday, demonstrators flooded Florida’s streets to voice their opposition to Governor DeSantis’ controversial new facility.
However, DeSantis issued a blunt warning to protesters: stay out of the streets or be prepared to face the consequences, emphasizing that if someone gets hurt while blocking traffic, the responsibility lies with them.
“If you’re driving on one of those streets, and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle, and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety. And so if you drive off, and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you,” DeSantis said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (FL): “If you’re driving on one of those streets, and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle, and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety. And so if you drive off, and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you.” https://t.co/oADC4tD20c pic.twitter.com/m6R5Bso1TJ
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 28, 2025
As I reported earlier, DeSantis gave Americans a first look at "Alligator Alcatraz"—a new detention center surrounded by natural barriers, including alligators and pythons. The facility sits conveniently next to a deportation airstrip, streamlining the removal process.
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Each tent at the facility will handle different tasks. For instance, one tent will handle intake and processing, another will serve meals, and a third will provide space for legal consultations. DeSantis emphasized that the facility won’t disrupt local communities, adding that the location, a seldom-used airstrip, operates independently and requires only minimal logistical support to function efficiently, stressing that it has no impact on Florida residents.