Michael Borrego had been sleeping in one of the chain-link cages in Alligator Alcatraz when he woke up in a pool of his own blood.

But when it comes to big questions, such as whether inmates at the illegal immigrant lockup are being deprived meetings with lawyers as alleged in a recent lawsuit, DeSantis is pleading ignorance while suggesting the press may be to blame for the narrative.

The state has a $37 million contract that includes funding for permanent and temporary fencing and roadway construction

Environmental groups and locals including the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida say the center is a big problem.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Friday morning in Marco Island where he announced a new EAA Reservoir Agreement with the United States Army. During the press conference, DeSantis was asked about "Alligator Alcatraz's" impact on the Florida Everglades.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday rebuffed criticism of poor conditions at Alligator Alcatraz, the immigrant detention center, by saying people housed there have the option to self-deport instead.

At the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida is quickly constructing a $450 million-a-year immigration detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz."

Potential effects include increased light and air pollution, habitat degradation for endangered species such as the Florida panther, and waste spills.

Miami's top Catholic leader stopped by the state's controversial Everglades detention center for migrants during a Sunday motorcycle ride with dozens of other Catholic bikers.