Trump Tours New Immigration Detention Center in Florida

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump visited the recently inaugurated “Wannial Catraz” immigration detention center nestled in the Florida Everglades ahead of its official opening.

The center boasts 3,000 beds, designed to temporarily house individuals awaiting deportation.

Joining Trump in the tour were Florida’s 47th Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Interestingly, the facility is situated at Dade Carrier Training and Transition Airport, an area known for its challenging terrain and local wildlife. It offers convenient access through established runways.

Local wildlife includes Everglades crocodiles, which prey on various animals, and the gators roam freely in their natural habitat.

“I thought this was very professional, so I did it very well,” Trump commented about the center. “That’s really how the government works together,” he added.

He also joked, “Snakes are fast, but crocodiles are faster. I’ll show them how to escape; don’t run in a straight line, zigzag instead,” he said humorously.

Trump emphasized that the facility will house “some of the most vicious people on the planet.” He underscored the unique location by stating, “We are surrounded by miles of dangerous swamps, and this is our best option for deportation.”

Florida officials indicated that security measures at the facility will include “at least 200 security cameras, 28,000 feet of barbed wire, and a team of over 400 security personnel.”

During the visit, DeSantis provided insights into how operations at the facility would function:

“People will be processed, those with orders of removal will be in line for federal flights.”

“Unless there’s a need to send them elsewhere, they stay put,” he continued, expressing confidence in the facility’s security, which he described as “unmatched.”

DeSantis encouraged undocumented immigrants to “self-deport” rather than go through a complicated and costly deportation process at centers like the Wannial Catraz, a tactic reminiscent of the Trump administration’s approach to immigration.

“If you can leave on your own, why endure the ‘Crocodile Alcatraz’ experience?” DeSantis queried. “I think many will opt for that choice.”

Moreover, those who self-deport could find a pathway back to the U.S. in the future, while those who don’t report themselves might miss out on that chance.

The center is expected to begin operations soon, with housing planned to start on Wednesday. Trump expressed interest in establishing similar temporary housing facilities across multiple states.

The projected cost for the facility is around $450 million over a year, with most expenses covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This funding will repurpose resources that had previously aided the Biden administration’s efforts to provide housing, food, and health care to asylum-seeking immigrants.