Homeland Security Secretary Christa Noem has raised the possibility of establishing immigration detention tent camps in Florida, informally dubbed the “Alligator Alcatraz.” This concept is being looked at as a model by federal agencies looking to expand facilities for holding undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation.
Noem hinted that announcements regarding potential locations for similar facilities are forthcoming, mentioning her discussions with at least five Republican governors about state options for housing detainees, though she didn’t specify which states they were.
A spokesperson for the governors of South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas indicated readiness to support efforts to bolster Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, although it wasn’t confirmed they had been directly contacted by Noem.
“Texas will remain committed to the Trump administration’s initiatives to detain and deport illegal immigrants,” stated Andrew Mahalleris, spokesperson for Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Similarly, Mississippi’s Chief of Staff Corey Custer remarked, “We will do whatever is necessary to back President Trump’s immigration plans; nothing is off the table.”
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also expressed interest in utilizing the state’s resources for potential detention center options, with a spokesperson indicating ongoing exploration of possible assets.
McMaster’s comments followed a social media post from Representative Nancy Mace, who suggested that if she were in the governor’s position, she would advocate for bringing “Alligator Alcatraz” to South Carolina.
Concerns About the Florida Facility
Meanwhile, as Trump’s supporters push for an extensive repatriation plan, some Democrats have raised alarms over conditions at a facility known as “Wannial Catraz,” which was established in just eight days within the Florida Everglades. Florida Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, among those attempting to tour the facility, reported being denied access by the state’s Emergency Management Department. After a second attempt, he characterized the guided tour as largely propagandistic.
The tour highlighted empty cages and inadequate facilities, which differed from reports Smith said he received prior to visiting. Moreover, detainees are reportedly being denied access to appointed immigration lawyers, and some have yet to receive a schedule for court hearings during their detention.
Smith expressed deep concern over the living conditions and their impact on detainees’ lives, emphasizing that issues like bed comfort or food quality shouldn’t be trivialized. “This is not a game,” he stated, referring to the distressing reality faced by those held in custody.
Demographics of Detainees
Guillermo Smith also mentioned that many detainees currently at the Everglades camp reportedly have no criminal backgrounds. During a legislative tour, they were allowed brief glimpses into occupied tents, where detainees were held, but direct communication with the detainees was not permitted. Reports indicate that about 250 detainees facing only non-violent offenses are at the facility.
Various news outlets have pointed out that some detainees had previous legal status, which was recently revoked under Trump’s administration, leading to significant anxiety and uncertainty regarding their futures. Noem announced plans to allocate some of the facility’s beds for specific detainee needs ahead of her planned visit to “Wannial Catraz.”
She described efforts to detain high-risk individuals, stating, “We’ll be expanding facilities and bed space soon…” This statement has drawn skepticism from Democratic lawmakers, particularly since the operational costs of the facility are disproportionately high compared to traditional ones.
Plans for the detention facility’s capacity to reach 5,000 beds have been announced, costing approximately $450 million annually, which translates into a considerable per-detainee expense.
Adding to the controversy, Smith criticized the Florida Republicans for attempting to profit off “Wannial Catraz” merchandise, asserting the facility serves as a political tool rather than a solution.
Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are considering additional state-run facilities while federal authorities explore options for expanding immigration detention centers nationwide. Notably, a senior ICE official remarked that decisions about detaining individuals now largely rest with Florida officials.
A request for comments from DHS regarding the facility’s expansion was not immediately answered.
