President Donald Trump visited Florida on Tuesday to tour a new migrant detention facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz." This facility is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida, and is set to begin accepting detainees shortly.
Joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Trump praised the setup of the facility, which was constructed quickly after federal approval was granted. He noted the professionalism of the operation, which includes rows of bunk beds and a security perimeter featuring razor wire.
The site, spanning 39 square miles, was once intended to be the largest airport in the world but faced opposition that halted its development in the 1970s. Now, it is being repurposed to house migrants, with an initial capacity of 5,000 beds set to open soon. DeSantis indicated that the first detainees could arrive as early as Wednesday.
The facility’s nickname, "Alligator Alcatraz," highlights its location in the Everglades, an area known for its wildlife, including alligators and pythons. DeSantis emphasized the site’s security, suggesting that the natural environment would deter escape attempts. Trump even joked about the potential for alligators to be a deterrent.
Despite the swift setup, the facility has drawn significant criticism. Environmentalists and local Indigenous groups have voiced concerns about the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades and the cultural significance of the land. Hundreds have protested the facility’s construction, arguing that it threatens both the environment and community heritage.
The Department of Homeland Security is overseeing the operation, aiming to ramp up deportations and immigration enforcement. Florida plans to use the facility as part of a broader strategy to increase detention capacity nationwide, with ambitions to double the number of beds for migrants to 100,000.
The project is expected to cost around $450 million for the first year, with much of the funding coming from federal reimbursements. While state officials assure that the facility will have air conditioning to cope with the Florida heat, many remain skeptical about the conditions detainees will face.
As the facility prepares to open, the debate over its implications continues, with advocates for both immigration reform and environmental protection raising their voices. The future of "Alligator Alcatraz" remains uncertain as it stands at the intersection of immigration policy and environmental stewardship.