Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Facility Approved in Florida

Florida is taking unprecedented action to combat illegal immigration with a new detention facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The controversial facility, surrounded by alligator-infested Everglades swampland, just received federal approval and is set to open next month. It’s the next big thing for GOP immigration policy.

At a glance:

• DHS has approved Florida’s plan to build “Alligator Alcatraz,” a detention facility for illegal immigrants in the Everglades

• The facility will house up to 5,000 detainees and could be operational by early July

• Located at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the site is surrounded by alligators and pythons in treacherous wetlands

• Florida officials say the facility will support President Trump’s mass deportation efforts

• The state has committed $20 million to purchase the airport and approximately $450 million annually to operate the facility

Trump Administration’s Bold Immigration Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security has given the green light for Florida’s innovative detention facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” to house illegal immigrants. The facility, located in the heart of the Everglades, will utilize natural barriers to create what officials describe as an escape-proof environment for those awaiting deportation.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the federal approval on Wednesday, confirming that construction is already underway at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. The massive detention center will feature heavy-duty tent facilities and trailers capable of housing up to 5,000 detainees by early July.

We are working on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate for mass deportations. Alligator Alcatraz will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida.https://t.co/NWdAnEUC0h

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 24, 2025

The facility’s location provides natural security with its surrounding treacherous wetlands filled with alligators and pythons. “There’s really nowhere to go. If you’re housed there, if you’re detained there, there’s no way in, no way out,” Uthmeier explained in his announcement of the project.

Florida’s Commitment to Border Security

The Sunshine State has committed significant resources to the project, offering $20 million to purchase the airport property and allocating approximately $450 million annually to operate the facility. The National Guard will assist in running the detention center, which will primarily target illegal immigrants with criminal records for deportation.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem praised the collaboration with Florida in a statement, stating, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens. We will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida.”

Governor Ron DeSantis has thrown his support behind the initiative as part of Florida’s broader efforts to enforce immigration law. The facility represents one of the most aggressive state-level responses to the border crisis and aligns with President Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities.

JUST IN: Florida will now build an illegal alien detention center surrounded by alligators and pythons, called “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Construction has been APPROVED and has BEGUN. pic.twitter.com/nuH22mMSBz

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 23, 2025

Funding and Timeline for Operation

The detention facilities will be funded largely by FEMA’s shelter and services program, with Florida able to request federal reimbursement for some of the costs. Attorney General Uthmeier confirmed the facility would be operational within weeks, stating, “We’ll have 5,000 beds by early July.”

Though described as temporary, the detention center represents a significant investment in immigration enforcement infrastructure. “We’ll detain, deport and get people out of this country,” Uthmeier said, emphasizing the facility’s role in supporting federal deportation efforts.

The facility has faced criticism from far-left illegal immigration advocates, with some calling it a “clueless idea.” However, supporters point to the need for additional detention capacity to fulfill the administration’s promise of removing illegal immigrants who have violated American laws.

Uthmeier expressed his support for the administration’s immigration agenda, stating, “I’m proud to help support President Trump and Secretary Noem in their mission to fix our illegal immigration problem once and for all. Alligator Alcatraz and other Florida facilities will do just that.”