Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office informed Miami-Dade County officials that the state will move ahead immediately with plans to use a remote Everglades airfield as a temporary immigration detention center—despite vocal opposition from local leaders, environmental groups, and the Miccosukee Tribe.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management formally notified Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Tuesday of its intent to begin immediate utilization of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, located in Ochopee, under the governor’s emergency powers.
Executive Director of FDEM Kevin Guthrie stated in a letter to Levine Cava that this immediate use is necessary to meet the Division’s “current operational demands in coping with the emergency” of immigration enforcement—even while negotiations to purchase the property are still underway.
“Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to ensure readiness and continuity in our statewide operations to assist the federal government with immigration enforcement,” Guthrie wrote.
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