President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis set aside past rivalry to jointly open a new migrant detention center in Florida, highlighting renewed cooperation on immigration policy.

From Rivals to Partners in the Everglades

Once fierce rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stood side by side this week in a public show of unity at the inauguration of a new migrant detention center deep in the Everglades. The facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” was built in just eight days on a remote airstrip surrounded by swamps, following emergency measures by Governor DeSantis and close coordination with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

DeSantis, who previously lost to Trump in the 2024 GOP primary, used executive powers to quickly secure land and accelerate construction. “Ron worked beautifully with Kristi (Noem) and all of the people at Homeland Security and got it done in how many days, Ron?” Trump asked at the event. “Eight days, a new facility was up and running,” DeSantis responded, underscoring their effective teamwork.

Public Praise and Political Implications

The relationship between the two leaders, once strained by heated primary attacks, has been visibly repaired in recent months. “I would say it’s a 10. I think it’s a 10,” Trump told reporters about their partnership, joking, “maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds.” DeSantis reciprocated the praise, highlighting his prompt endorsement of Trump after suspending his own presidential campaign and his efforts to raise substantial funds for Trump’s political committees.

DeSantis has enacted some of the toughest state immigration laws this year, aligning closely with Trump’s federal mandate. “This is going to be a force multiplier,” DeSantis remarked, describing the new facility’s expected impact on immigration enforcement. He also extended an invitation for Trump to land Air Force One at the site, expressing confidence the president would be “impressed with what the guys are doing out here.”

The collaborative appearance also spotlighted the intricate political dynamics within Florida’s GOP. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, a former advisor to DeSantis, reportedly still harbors misgivings from a past falling out. Meanwhile, Rep. Byron Donalds, who has Trump’s endorsement for the 2026 gubernatorial race, attended the event alongside the state’s political leadership. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is also considered a potential candidate for governor, drawing speculation about the state’s political future.

Trump closed the event by affirming mutual respect: “Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time. We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didn’t last long.” As the two leaders continue to collaborate on immigration and party priorities, their evolving partnership may shape the trajectory of Republican politics in both Florida and the nation.