Florida Plans Off-Grid Facilities for Immigrant Detainees
Officials in Florida have revealed plans to establish off-grid facilities designed to accommodate immigrants and ICE detainees in an area known as “crocodile alley.” This location is notable for its wildlife, including alligators.
According to Florida Attorney General James Usmere, the upcoming 30-square-mile site—dubbed the Miami-Dade/Collier Training Facility—will transform what used to be a nearly abandoned airport into a 1,000-bed detention center. He described the initiative as essential, expressing optimism, “I think this is really the best option. It’s like ‘Crocodile Alcatraz’ in some ways.”
The attorney general highlighted that this new facility could be constructed quickly, with an expected timeline of 30 to 60 days once it begins. He noted that the area offers “efficient and low-cost opportunities” for the project. “People won’t have much time to wait for releases—unless it’s the alligators and pythons they’re dodging,” he remarked, suggesting the geographical isolation of the facility.
Budget estimates indicate that maintaining the facility could run the state about $450 million annually, although there might be prospects for federal reimbursement through FEMA.
The plan coincides with ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to ramp up deportations. Kristi Noem said, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re pushing hard, cost-effectively, to address the issue of criminal illegal aliens. Thanks to Florida’s partnership, we can quickly expand our facilities.”
There are discussions about even utilizing Guantanamo Bay as a potential location for detaining illegal immigrants. Officials aim for broad arrests, targeting around 3,000 undocumented individuals daily, as confirmed by Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
In a statement, Thomas Homan, a key figure in immigration enforcement, expressed a sense of urgency by stating, “We need to ramp up our arrests and removals. The current numbers are promising, but we can do better.”
Fox News has reached out to both the Department of Homeland Security and the office of Attorney General Usmere for more information.
