Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle illegal immigration from his state, with the creation of a processing and deportation center located at a remote airstrip in the Everglades. With this new approach, DeSantis aims to speed up the removal of illegal immigrants and set a national precedent.
DeSantis explained that the airstrip in question, although far from civilization, has sufficient infrastructure—including a vast concrete area—to operate flights and process individuals immediately. “Once they’re there, they’re not going anywhere unless we say so,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the site’s natural level of security.
In his remarks, DeSantis mentioned that President Trump will visit the site and will be impressed by the model’s efficiency. “You can literally drive them 600 meters, put them on a plane, and they’re gone. It’s simple logistics,” DeSantis said, highlighting the practical nature of the operation.
But DeSantis’s plan goes beyond fast deportation. He also proposed that members of the Florida National Guard be designated as “immigration judges” to further accelerate the process. DeSantis questioned the legitimacy of the current system, noting that these judges are not Article III judges, but rather executive branch employees—allowing for greater flexibility in their roles.
DeSantis sharply criticized the slow pace of the system under the Biden administration, where many immigrants are given court dates as far as two years out. In contrast, DeSantis presented an alternative model where cases are resolved within days, utilizing the operational capacity of the National Guard.
According to DeSantis, this effort positions Florida at the forefront of a more aggressive national strategy against illegal immigration. The governor stressed that his state should not be the only one leading the charge: “We’re literally doing what voters have been asking for, for years,” DeSantis emphasized.
DeSantis concluded by saying that immigration was one of the most important issues in the 2024 presidential election—only comparable to inflation—and assured that his administration will continue acting with determination. With these measures, DeSantis reinforces his image as a strong executive leader willing to make controversial but effective decisions to defend state sovereignty.
