A nearly deserted airport in the Everglades, Florida, is set to become a controversial migrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." This project, initiated by state lawmakers, aims to support the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump.
Construction trucks have started arriving at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, located about 43 miles from Miami. Instead of becoming a new tourist destination, this site will be repurposed as a facility for detaining migrants. Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, highlighted the unique location by stating that if detainees manage to escape, they would face immediate dangers from alligators and pythons in the surrounding swamps.
The decision to create this facility follows an executive order from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who invoked emergency powers in 2023 to address the influx of undocumented migrants. The center is expected to house around 1,000 detainees and is slated to open in July or August. DeSantis hinted that this might not be the only facility of its kind, suggesting plans for a similar center at Camp Blanding, a former military training site further north.
This initiative has sparked significant debate. Environmentalists and human rights advocates are raising alarms about potential ecological damage and the treatment of detainees. Betty Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Tribe, voiced her concerns during a recent protest, suggesting that the facility could operate for much longer than the authorities claim. She worries about the impact on the sensitive ecosystem of the Everglades and the living conditions for those detained.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida also criticized the plan, stating that it reflects a punitive approach to immigration rather than a humane process. They pointed out that even existing detention centers are often overcrowded and have histories of mistreatment.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the project, asserting that it will be a cost-effective way to facilitate mass deportations. She indicated that federal funds would support the establishment of the center, emphasizing the urgency of expanding detention capacity.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has expressed her concerns about the airport’s new use, particularly regarding funding and environmental issues. While immigration enforcement has intensified in some areas, many undocumented individuals in South Florida remain hesitant to come forward due to fears of arrest.
As construction continues, the future of "Alligator Alcatraz" remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about its implications for both the local community and the broader immigration landscape in the United States.