Florida's Approach to Cornering Immigrants: "Voluntary Departure or 'Alligator Alcatraz'"

1. The Full Picture of the "Self-Deportation" Program

Dated 24th The Independent reported that Florida has secretly operated a program for several weeks, collaborating with state police and the U.S. Border Patrol (BP) to offer one-way plane tickets to detained unauthorized immigrants, encouraging "voluntary return." Kevin Guthrie, director of the state's emergency management department, emphasized that it provides a "last chance," stating that if return is chosen, "the state will purchase a discounted airline ticket."

2. The CBP Home App as the Background

The program is based on the "CBP Home" app, rebranded by the federal government in March. Users of the app who apply for voluntary return can receive a $1,000 allowance and exemption from fines, but in the Florida version, only the airline ticket is provided without the allowance.Wikipedia

3. "Return Encouragement" Messages Spreading on Social Media

On June 18, the official DHS X account posted, "If you are unlawfully residing in the U.S., apply for voluntary return now with CBP Home," shocking immigrant communities. This post was also quoted in conservative forums, highlighting the government's hardline stance of "deportation if not complied with."TexAgs

4. Voices of Criticism—"Equivalent to Coercion"

Immigration law expert Aaron Reichlin-Melnick warned on X, "Forced to decide within hours to abandon family and work, and if refused, sent to harsh detention facilities. There are serious due process concerns."

The ACLU Florida branch also argued that "state police become federal agents under the 287(g) agreement, promoting racial profiling," pointing out the discriminatory nature of the program.

5. The Reality of "Alligator Alcatraz"

The detention center is a temporary tent group built on an old runway in the Everglades, reported to have poor sanitary conditions. Lawsuits have been filed claiming "toilets are clogged, and maggots are found in meals," and detainees reportedly find it difficult to meet with lawyers.MySA

6. Logic of Supporters—Cost Reduction and "Self-Responsibility"

State authorities explain, "Airline tickets are cheaper than long-term detention," and "voluntary return leaves the possibility of re-entry." The conservative paper Washington Examiner praised it as "resource-saving for both the nation and the state," with reporter Anna Giaritelli calling it "a groundbreaking collaboration, the first of its kind nationwide."washingtonexaminer.com

7. Testimonies from the Field

Luis (pseudonym), a Miami transporter, testified that "a colleague was taken away at a checkpoint." According to him, "The police advised, 'The state will cover the airfare, so it's better to return.'" Meanwhile, the reality of state university police cooperating in immigrant crackdowns has spread fear, and Latin residents have stopped displaying flags on their cars.

8. Nationwide Ripple Effects

Senator Cornyn from Texas argued, "We should create a Texas version of Alligator Alcatraz," suggesting the possibility of introducing it in his state, which has immigrant groups concerned about a "domino effect."MySA

9. Legal and Ethical Issues

• Lack of Due Process: Forced to decide within hours without legal counsel

• Free Will or Coercion: The "threat" of detention distorts voluntariness

• State and Federal Authority Demarcation: Criticized for misuse of the 287(g) agreement

• Cost-Effectiveness: Short-term savings but long-term social costs are unknown

10. Future Prospects

The program is already facing multiple class-action lawsuits, and a federal court may issue a temporary injunction. With the presidential election in November, immigration policy is likely to become a source of division again. Both supporters and opponents are engaged in an information war on social media, with CBP Home downloads surging while movements calling for its removal are also spreading.