The initial image of “Alligator Alcatraz” provides a glimpse into a new immigration facility nestled deep in the Florida Everglades, where officials plan to house up to 5,000 detainees in wire cages.
A video shown during a tour led by President Trump revealed empty industrial metal bunk beds enclosed by hastily constructed chain link fences.
Trump humorously remarked about the vast facility, which is set in South Florida’s subtropical marsh, warning of alligators, crocodiles, and pythons in the area.
“I took a look outside, but I wouldn’t want to hike there anytime soon,” he told the press post-tour. “With swamps all around, deportation has to be carefully managed.”
The complex at Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport has an annual operating cost estimated at $450 million, with the first arrivals expected as early as Wednesday.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned that the facility was constructed in just eight days, with part of its funding being reimbursed through FEMA programs.
The site is set to feature over 200 security cameras, 28,000 feet of barbed wire, and more than 400 security personnel, officials reported.
This construction, located in Florida’s notorious Alligator Alley, is referred to as “Gator Gitomo” aside from its official name. It aims to facilitate the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in meeting deportation targets.
The facility is situated on Route 41, running from Miami to Naples.
White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated, “It’s isolated and surrounded by dangerous wildlife and relentless terrain.”
In a humorous nod back to 2011, former President Obama noted Republicans had even suggested using alligators for immigration control.
The Trump administration has playfully portrayed alligators on social media, even creating related merchandise.
On Tuesday, approximately 100 National Guard troops were dispatched to support security efforts at the site, located around 37 miles from Miami.
Trump joked about new detainees learning to navigate the risks of crocodiles through homeland security measures.
“If escape is the goal, we will teach them to avoid the crocodiles,” he quipped, demonstrating zigzagging motions with his hands.
Critics have condemned the facility as inhumane, likening the footage to a “concentration camp,” noting the absence of visible air conditioning or ventilation.
Nonetheless, officials asserted that the site is equipped with 24/7 air conditioning to cope with Florida’s intense heat and humidity.
Environmental advocates have raised concerns about potential damage to endangered species in the Everglades and called for an environmental assessment before the project proceeds.
However, state officials contend that the legal challenges cited do not pertain to them, only to the federal government, as reflected in legal documents.
The nearby airport is operational full-time, having accommodated around 28,000 flights over six months, with its buildings illuminated round-the-clock.
Trump is advocating for similar detention facilities across the country, envisioning a widespread network.
“I want to see many of these in several states. They could evolve into a broader system,” he commented.
With post wire
