• Florida's Gov. DeSantis announced the start of deportation flights from 'Alligator Alcatraz.'
• Approximately 100 detainees have been deported, with plans for more flights.
• The facility has faced criticism for poor conditions and legal access issues.
• Efforts to double the facility's capacity are underway to accommodate more detainees.
• Florida officials assert increased immigration arrests will occur statewide.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that deportation flights from the newly established immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" have officially begun. These flights, operated by the Department of Homeland Security, have already deported approximately 100 detainees while additional flights are planned to accommodate hundreds more, according to latimes and cbsnews.

DeSantis emphasized that the facility is designed to enhance the deportation process, stating that it has logistical advantages such as having a runway directly on-site, allowing for quick transfer of detainees to flights. "The cadence is increasing," he mentioned, highlighting that the facility can accommodate various types of deportation operations due to its proximity to the runway, according to aljazeera and indiatimes.

Despite the focus on operational efficiency, the detention center has faced significant criticism. Reports from detainees indicate poor living conditions, including inadequate food and sanitation issues. Some have described it as effectively an "internment camp," raising concerns about human rights violations and legal access, especially since detainees have reportedly struggled to contact legal counsel, as noted by cbsnews, latimes, and aljazeera.

Moreover, legal actions have begun against the state for the lack of due process granted to detainees at Alligator Alcatraz. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit citing these violations, arguing that constitutional rights are being undermined. This legal scrutiny continues as Florida's officials maintain that measures are in place to allow legal counsel access, according to indiatimes and cbsnews.

As part of its broader immigration enforcement strategy, Florida plans to expand the capacity of Alligator Alcatraz to potentially hold up to 4,000 detainees, reinforcing the state's commitment to assist with federal immigration efforts. Local officials indicated that upwards of 1,800 state troopers and additional law enforcement personnel have been empowered to conduct immigration arrests, further intensifying Florida’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, as reported by latimes, cbsnews, and aljazeera.