Trump Visits New Immigration Detention Center in Florida

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump commented that deportation is the “only path” for the newly constructed immigration detention facility, dubbed “Crocodile Alcatraz,” located in the Florida Everglades.

After touring the facility, which was established at a former Miami-Dade County airport, Trump described it as a location housing some of the most dangerous individuals. “It’s known as Alligator Alcatraz, which fits well because it’s not a place I’d like to look outside and go hiking immediately,” he remarked.

A sign near Trump indicated that this facility could accommodate up to 3,000 detainees and employs around 1,000 staff members, including over 400 security personnel. It took just eight days to build, featuring more than 200 security cameras and over 28,000 feet of barbed wire. The location is entirely surrounded by a rough 10-mile stretch of Everglades terrain.

Environmental Group Attempts to Block New Facility

After the tour, Trump participated in a roundtable discussion with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Rep. Byron Donald, and other officials, including Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, and policy advisors from the White House.

Permitting for the construction of this detention center has been facilitated under an emergency order by DeSantis, utilizing a 30-square-mile area in the Everglades swamp. The site is comprised of large tent facilities.

Noem praised this endeavor, saying, “This facility here is a great expression of what can happen when all governments work together for taxpayers and the citizens living here.” She added that “Crocodile Alcatraz” represents a “cutting-edge” solution that other governors should consider adopting.

Noem expressed her desire for other states to emulate Florida’s approach, suggesting that her phone should ring with inquiries on how to replicate this model.