Florida is building a brand‑new immigration detention site deep in the Everglades—nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”—that’s raising strong reactions nationwide.
What Is It & Where?
- Located at the abandoned Dade-Collier Airstrip in Collier County, this facility is situated on 39 square miles of remote wetland, home to alligators and pythons.
- Set to provide temporary tent and trailer housing for up to 5,000 detainees by early July, with plans for multiple camps across Florida.
- Funded through FEMA’s Disaster Shelter Program at roughly $450 million per year, fully reimbursed with federal dollars.
Why It’s Happening
- Part of Florida’s aggressive response to immigration, in coordination with federal enforcement and the Trump deportation agenda, is expanding capacity in rural detention centers.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier noted that the surrounding wildlife creates “natural perimeter security”—you can stay, but the chances of escape are slim.
What the Critics Say
- Environmentalists, Indigenous groups (like the Miccosukee Tribe), and Miami‑Dade officials warn of ecological damage, lack of oversight, and disrespect for sacred lands.
- Human‑rights advocates describe it as “cruel and inhumane”—raising concerns about heat, wildlife threats, medical access, and remote oversight.
Where It Goes From Here…