Trump ‘Likely’ To Be At The Opening of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ As Activists Protest Facility

President Donald Trump is expected to be present at the inauguration of an immigration detention center in Florida known as “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its location in the middle of the Everglades.

The Palm Beach Post reported that, based on Federal Aviation Administration data, Trump would be in South Florida on Tuesday, the day in which the facility is scheduled to open. NBC News also quoted two White House officials saying it is “likely” that the president will be there.

The outlet added that the facility is expected to cost some $450 million annually and will hold 5,000 beds. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already said it will likely reimburse Florida authorities at least some of the costs from the operation.

Moreover, the Florida National guard is deploying some 100 troops to the facility, with the Miami Herald noting that troops will help secure entry points and the perimeter.

“We don’t have a set timeline for this mission due to the fluid nature of the situation, but we will stay on the ground for as long as we’re needed and at the direction of Governor (Ron) DeSantis,” said Brittanie Funderburk, a spokesperson for the Florida National guard.

Highway Patrol troopers have also been called to aid with the effort, being told they will have to help with gates for at least 30 days.

The DeSantis administration has also hired dozens of private companies to help erect tents and trailers to provide medical service, as well as kitchens and portable restrooms.

Attorney General James Uthmeier, who pitched the facility, said it represents “an efficient, low cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter. “If people get out, there’s not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons,” he added.

According to Fox Business, the location was selected in part due to its airstrip, which could be used to transport detainees. Although surrounded by Everglades terrain, the site is not part of the Everglades National Park. “This presents a great opportunity for the state of Florida to work with Miami Dade and Collier counties,” Uthmeier added.

Hundreds of people protested against the facility on Saturday, including environmental activists and Native Americans advocating for their ancestral land, according to The Associated Press.