What is Alligator Alcatraz and what is its location? See Trump administration facility's cost and concerns
The Trump administration, in partnership with Florida officials, is moving forward with plans to create a detention facility in the Everglades. This facility will be used to hold undocumented migrants before deportation. The project has drawn support from some leaders but concern from others over its location and cost.
What is Alligator Alcatraz?
The facility, informally named Alligator Alcatraz, will begin operations with temporary holding units. These units will house hundreds of detainees. Construction will expand in the coming weeks, adding more units to hold additional individuals.
AP
In this image from undated video released by the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier shows an isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles (72 kms.) west of Miami that Florida officials said an immigration detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" is just days away from being operational. (Courtesy of the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via AP)
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Migrant Detention Center Cost
The federal government will provide funding, while the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) will manage the construction and operation of the site. The estimated cost is about $450 million per year. The money will come from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program. This program was also used during the Biden administration to house asylum seekers.
AP
This image grab from video shows activity at an immigration detention facility dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz' located at an isolated Everglades airfield. (WSVN via AP)
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DHS and Florida Support Project
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the new facility would support large-scale deportations. She emphasized the project is moving fast with help from Florida.
The facility will house people arrested in Florida. It will also receive transfers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The plan has been approved by DHS.
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Florida's Proposal for Federal Support
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's administration proposed the facility earlier this year. They submitted a 37-page plan to the federal government. It included a request for reimbursements and fewer restrictions in dealing with undocumented migrants.
The plan stated that Florida's highways and location attract smuggling activities. These include the movement of people, drugs, weapons and money.
According to Pew Research Center, Florida's undocumented population grew by about 400,000 between 2019 and 2022. The total is estimated at 1.2 million people. The state argues that the size of this population requires changes in detention policies.
AP
Dubbing the proposal via video, the Republican said the facility "Alligator Alcatraz," is home to more than 200,000 alligators.
Facility's Location
The facility will be built at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. This site is about 36 miles from Miami. It is a remote area surrounded by the Everglades.
Originally developed in the 1960s for commercial use, the site has remained largely unused. Florida officials said the airport's airstrip would make transporting detainees easier. The site's isolation was described as a security advantage.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that the remote location makes it difficult for people to escape or hide.
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State Takes Control After Failed Purchase
Florida first tried to buy the property from Miami-Dade County. But the state and county did not agree on a price. Florida then used emergency powers to take control of the site.
FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie wrote to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava about the state's plan. He said the site must be used quickly due to operational demands.
DeSantis issued the emergency declaration in June 2023. He has renewed it every 60 days. The current extension ends August 2, 2025.
AP
In this image from undated video released by the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier shows an isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles (72 kms.) west of Miami that Florida officials said an immigration detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" is just days away from being operational. (Courtesy of the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via AP)
Concerns Raised by Local Officials
Mayor Levine Cava said the state is moving too quickly. She told The Hill that there has been little time to study the full effects of the project.
She expressed concerns about the environmental impact on the Everglades. She noted that the state has spent billions on Everglades restoration. She also questioned how such a large facility could avoid affecting the ecosystem.
The mayor also raised concerns about the proposed purchase price. She said the state offered $20 million, much less than the property's appraised value.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the detention facility in Florida's Everglades?
The facility will hold undocumented migrants awaiting deportation. It is part of a federal-state effort to increase detention capacity under current immigration enforcement plans.
Why are people concerned about the location of the detention center?
The site is in the Everglades, which may face environmental harm. Local leaders are also concerned about the lack of review and the speed of the project's launch.
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