Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced this week that more than 100 illegal alien detainees held at the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” facility have been fully deported, marking a significant milestone in his state-led crackdown on illegal immigration. Known officially as the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Stock Island Detention Center, the facility—situated on an isolated island in the Florida Keys—has garnered national attention for its tough stance and remote location, surrounded by crocodile- and shark-infested waters.
Nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” by critics and supporters alike, the facility operates under Florida’s immigration enforcement partnership with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). During a press briefing, DeSantis emphasized that the facility had successfully processed and removed over 100 non-citizens who were in the country illegally, many of whom had prior criminal records or outstanding deportation orders.
“They are gone,” DeSantis declared. “We are enforcing the law. Florida is not a sanctuary state, and we won’t allow lawlessness to flourish within our borders.”
The announcement is a bold declaration of DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to border enforcement at the state level—something Republican voters across the country are increasingly demanding. As President Biden continues to face growing criticism over his administration’s failure to secure the southern border, governors like DeSantis are stepping into the gap to protect their citizens.
According to DeSantis, the state-funded program has been instrumental in taking action against illegal immigrants who would otherwise have remained in Florida communities under federal inaction. “We’re not going to sit back and watch dangerous individuals roam free because of Washington’s refusal to enforce our immigration laws,” he said.
The detainees who were deported represent individuals who were either arrested by local law enforcement or transferred to state custody under the purview of immigration holds. In many cases, these individuals had already been ordered removed by federal courts but had remained in the country due to sanctuary policies in other states or lack of federal initiative.
Florida’s operation represents a significant departure from the standard practices in blue states, where policies often shield illegal aliens from removal and prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE. Under DeSantis’ direction, however, Florida has become a model for conservative-led immigration enforcement, prioritizing citizen safety and the rule of law.
Critics on the left have labeled the facility as inhumane and extreme, citing the island’s natural barriers and the facility’s isolated nature. But supporters argue that these characteristics are precisely what make the center effective. The island’s location reduces the risk of escape, while also preventing easy access by outside groups attempting to intervene in deportation cases.
DeSantis responded to these criticisms with characteristic firmness. “If the Biden administration won’t do its job, then Florida will. We’re not apologizing for enforcing the law. If you’re here illegally and you’ve broken the law, you don’t get to stay.”
This isn’t the first time DeSantis has made headlines for taking immigration matters into his own hands. He previously garnered national attention for relocating illegal aliens to sanctuary cities like Martha’s Vineyard and Los Angeles. These high-profile relocations were intended to expose the hypocrisy of leftist immigration policies by forcing progressive jurisdictions to deal with the consequences of their rhetoric.
The governor’s approach to immigration has become a key pillar of his broader law-and-order agenda. In recent months, DeSantis has signed legislation banning sanctuary cities in Florida, expanded E-Verify requirements for employers, and increased penalties for human trafficking and document fraud. These moves have been praised by law enforcement and conservative watchdog groups alike.
From a conservative Christian perspective, DeSantis’ efforts align with a biblical view of national sovereignty and civil order. Romans 13 emphasizes the role of government in maintaining justice and punishing lawbreakers. By upholding the law and protecting the integrity of Florida communities, DeSantis is fulfilling a God-ordained duty of civil leadership.
While the left continues to demonize border enforcement as unloving or unjust, Scripture teaches that justice and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Protecting innocent citizens from the threats posed by criminal non-citizens is both wise and righteous. Mercy should never come at the expense of justice.
As the 2026 election season approaches, DeSantis’ tough-on-immigration stance will likely remain a central theme of his political message. While the federal government flounders in dysfunction, Florida under DeSantis is demonstrating what principled, courageous governance looks like—one that values law, order, and the safety of its citizens above political correctness.
The message from Florida is clear: illegal immigration will no longer be tolerated. With “Alligator Alcatraz” now processing deportations with greater efficiency, the Sunshine State is showing the rest of the nation what real leadership means.