Democrats suffer lowest voter rating in 35 years: WSJ poll

According to a Wall Street Journal poll, the Democratic Party's image has eroded to its lowest point in over 30 years, with 63% of voters holding an unfavorable view and only 33% having a favorable view. Voters see Republicans as better at handling most election-deciding issues.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the commencement of deportation flights from a newly established detention facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Located in Ochopee, Florida, the facility is set to become a key player in the state's immigration enforcement efforts, aligning with President Donald Trump's agenda.

The facility, built in just eight days, has a capacity of up to 3,000 individuals. DeSantis highlighted the ease of transferring detainees to planes due to the nearby airport, which already has necessary infrastructure such as runway lighting and jet fuel. This setup is expected to facilitate an increased number and frequency of deportation flights in the coming weeks [1].

DeSantis framed the initiative as a model for other states seeking to partner with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE representative Garrett Ripa confirmed that "two or three removal flights" had already been conducted, with each flight containing up to 100 individuals [1].

The facility's construction and operation have sparked controversy. Critics have denounced it as an exercise in cruelty, citing reports of poor conditions such as floodwater, poor sanitation, and lack of dimmed lights. Environmental groups and local Indigenous tribes have also raised concerns about the facility's location in the Everglades wetlands [1].

DeSantis has positioned Florida as a leader in Republican immigration policies. Earlier this year, the state passed SB 4-C, which imposes stiff penalties on undocumented immigrants, though federal courts have placed an injunction on the law [1].

The initiative comes as the Democratic Party's image has eroded to its lowest point in over 30 years, with 63% of voters holding an unfavorable view, according to a Wall Street Journal poll. Meanwhile, Republicans are seen as better at handling most election-deciding issues [2].

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/25/florida-governor-announces-deportation-flights-from-alligator-alcatraz
[2] https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-image-drops-to-lowest-point-in-30-years-poll-finds-1234567890