Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushed back strongly against criticism over conditions at the state\u2019s new illegal immigration detention facility, dubbed \u201cAlligator Alcatraz,\u201d during a press conference in Gainesville. Dismissing complaints as political theater, DeSantis defended the center\u2019s operations, stating that detainees receive the same food as staff and are not being mistreated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a prison\u2014it\u2019s a deportation processing center,\u201d DeSantis said, responding to claims that migrants weren\u2019t fed well. \u201cThey were mad the ham sandwiches weren\u2019t toasted. Excuse me? Give me a break.\u201d The governor argued that the complaints were exaggerated and lacked context, emphasizing that everyone at the facility was treated equally.<\/p>\n
DeSantis also accused Democratic lawmakers and left-wing advocacy groups of fabricating concerns to gain media attention and political clout. \u201cThey\u2019re trying to get notoriety,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m confident that whatever\u2019s required will be provided.\u201d He noted that the Department of Homeland Security oversees the facility\u2019s standards.<\/p>\n
Kevin Guthrie, head of Florida\u2019s Division of Emergency Management, echoed DeSantis\u2019s sentiments during an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime<\/em>. Guthrie claimed that several lawmakers on a recent bipartisan tour of the facility seemed more interested in creating controversy than in genuinely observing the conditions. He recalled one incident where a representative pointed an infrared thermometer at a light bulb to suggest unsafe temperatures.<\/p>\n Another widely reported complaint involved a turkey sandwich that Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz allegedly called \u201cgray.\u201d Guthrie dismissed the claim, noting the sandwich was unopened and wrapped. \u201cNobody\u2019s getting filet mignon,\u201d he said, likening the food to standard institutional fare like hospital or school meals. Both officials insisted that the facility meets or exceeds all legal and safety requirements.<\/p>\n