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Donald Trump Visits ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Amid Protests

On July 1, the former U.S. President, Donald Trump, made a visit to a temporary establishment for migrant detention that’s been ominously dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’. This center located in the expanse of the Florida Everglades, is currently under construction inside the Big Cypress National Preserve, which sits roughly 44 miles southeast of Naples.

The visit marked the formal inauguration of the center. Trump had the chance to witness the transitional process of an airstrip as well as a training base situated in the Everglades into a backup detention facility.

As per a recent announcement from the office of Governor Ron DeSantis, the state is planning to utilize emergency rights to appropriate the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport from Miami-Dade County, repurposing it as part of the detention center plan.

Among others present on the tour accompanying Trump were Gov. Ron DeSantis and Congressman Byron Donalds. These officials also became part of a panel discussion revolving around the issue of immigration.

A considerable number of protestors arrived on the scene on that Tuesday. Many of these individuals were associated with various environmental organizations, while others were Native Americans, advocating for the preservation of their ancestral lands.

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The supporters of Donald Trump didn’t hold back either. They made sure their stance was noticeable at the entrance of the facility.

The candidate for United States Senate, Josh Weil, marked his stand against Alligator Alcatraz by arriving at the scene along with the protestors. According to him, he brought with him a delegation to show solidarity with the protestors and ensure their safety.

Weil further criticized the reaction of the Trump administration to a crisis he viewed as constructed and not based on actual events or circumstances.

Voices of protest were echoed loudly at Alligator Alcatraz. Among the protestors, James Elmore emphasized on his past military tenure where he was sworn to protect the constitution, a vow he asserted had no expiry.

Elmore took the time to denounce the character of Alligator Alcatraz, labeling it as a concentration camp due to the severe conditions.

At the protest, attention was also drawn to the relationship between the protection of the environment and the respect for human rights. It was highlighted by the protesters that the detention center could cause negative impacts not only on the detainees but also on the ecosystem and local wildlife.

Many protestors stood against the government’s decision to occupy the Everglades, a Native American ancestral land, without consulting the natives themselves. This they saw as an infringement on their rights and a disregard for their opinions.

The protestors did not shy away from expressing their anger and dissatisfaction at the administration’s immigration policies. They were critical about the various decisions and actions taken by Trump during his presidency.