Trump and DeSantis Reunite Amid Controversy at 'Alligator Alcatraz'
So, here’s the scene—deep in the Florida Everglades, in a place surrounded by swamps, snakes, and of course, alligators, a new migrant detention center has just opened. And at the center of this dramatic unveiling? None other than former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, standing side by side at what’s now being called “Alligator Alcatraz.” Yeah, you heard that right.
Now, just months ago, these two were political rivals—DeSantis took his shot at the Republican presidential nomination, which didn’t exactly sit well with Trump. But yesterday? Trump brushed all that aside like it never happened. “I would say it’s a 10,” Trump said about their relationship, pausing for a moment before joking, “maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds.” That’s Trump for you—still sharp with the one-liners.
The facility itself is wild—literally. It’s built on an old airstrip, in the middle of the Everglades. And it’s not just remote, it’s downright hostile. Think: surrounded by marshland, gators, and dense forest. The idea? A high-security center with natural deterrents. State officials say it’ll hold thousands of undocumented immigrants, mostly those with criminal records. And it only took eight days to build, thanks to DeSantis invoking emergency powers and working closely with Homeland Security.
Despite their rocky past, Trump praised DeSantis big time during the visit. And DeSantis? He was quick to highlight his loyalty. “I endorsed him immediately in January 2024,” he said. “Raised millions for one of his PACs.” It’s clear he’s leaning into their alliance again, even as others—like Congressman Byron Donalds—emerge as Trump’s new favorites.
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DeSantis has gone all-in on immigration enforcement. Under his leadership, Florida now accounts for almost 40% of the agreements between local law enforcement and ICE. That’s massive. And this facility? It’s being billed as a “one-stop shop” for detaining, processing, and deporting undocumented immigrants. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, gave DeSantis credit, saying they’ll be filling those beds “as quick as we can.”
But behind all the handshakes and praise, there’s still tension. DeSantis tried to push for even broader powers—like deporting migrants using state resources. But his own Republican legislature shot that down. Instead, they passed a bill designed with direct input from the Trump White House. So, while DeSantis may be the face of Florida’s crackdown, Trump’s influence is still shaping the game from behind the scenes.
Trump didn’t miss a chance to plug DeSantis’ idea of turning state military lawyers into immigration judges, saying, “Yes, he has my approval. That wasn’t too hard to get.” They’re aligned now, at least on paper. But let’s be real—the rivalry might be dormant, not dead.
With Air Force One parked nearby and protestors just outside the gates, the opening of Alligator Alcatraz was as politically charged as it was symbolic. Trump and DeSantis—once rivals, now allies again—are betting big on this facility as the centerpiece of a renewed, hardline immigration push.
And in typical Trump fashion, he made sure the press knew: “Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time… We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didn’t last long.”
Well, Florida’s swamp just got a little more crowded—with gators, guards, and political ambition.
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