Planned Detention Center for Migrants in Florida Known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Draws Scrutiny From Latino Communities

Planned Detention Center for Migrants in Florida Known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' Draws Scrutiny From Latino Communities

The state government of Florida has moved forward with building a temporary immigration detention center deep in the Everglades, a region known for its complex wetlands and environmental significance. Referred to by Attorney General James Uthmeier as “Alligator Alcatraz,” the project is being constructed on an old airport site in the Big Cypress National Preserve, west of Miami. Uthmeier shared a video of the site online, pointing to its remote location surrounded by native wildlife like alligators and pythons as deterrents for escape. The site selected is the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, long dormant except for occasional use by flight schools and military training.

A Location Steeped in Environmental History


The land in question holds environmental sensitivity due to its proximity to protected habitats and Indigenous territory, particularly those of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes. The airport was initially proposed in the 1960s and abandoned following disputes with environmental groups. It belongs to Miami-Dade County, though state authorities did not formally notify the county until the weekend, when an offer to purchase the property for 20 million dollars was submitted by Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

County officials responded by expressing concern about both the environmental consequences and the proposed sale price. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava requested further details and noted that the latest valuation of the property is close to 190 million dollars. Despite these objections, construction had already begun, and state wildlife officers blocked press access to the area.

Rapid Construction of the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ and Unclear Coordination


According to Uthmeier’s spokesperson, the state is proceeding with the project under executive authority granted to the governor, citing urgency to support federal immigration operations. The facility will begin with between 500 and 1,000 beds housed in temporary structures made of reinforced fabric, with capacity expected to grow to 5,000 beds by early July. The estimated operational cost is approximately 245 dollars per bed per day, bringing annual costs to nearly 450 million dollars. Florida plans to request reimbursement from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.

The scale of the project and its location have alarmed environmental groups and local residents. On Monday, protests erupted outside the site and along the airport fence, with signs that read “No Alligator Alcatraz” and “Protect the Everglades.” Concerns include potential harm to endangered species such as the Florida panther, as well as broader ecosystem disruption due to a lack of sewage and water systems.

Disproportionate Impact on Florida’s Latino Population


The move to expand detention in such a remote location has raised concerns among legal experts and advocates who warn the policy may disproportionately affect Florida’s Latino population. Latinos make up a significant percentage of the state’s residents, including many individuals with mixed-status families or pending immigration proceedings.

Critics point out that being undocumented is not a crime under federal law but a civil violation, meaning that large-scale detentions of individuals without criminal records risk punishing people for administrative infractions. The scale and speed of the facility’s construction suggest a broader effort to carry out enforcement beyond individuals with convictions.

State Pushes Forward Amid Public Backlash


Despite public outcry and county resistance, Uthmeier confirmed that the facility would open in early July. He noted the site’s suitability due to its long runway, which could accommodate large aircraft, and the presence of the National Guard. According to Uthmeier, the surrounding Everglades terrain itself acts as a deterrent to escape.

In a recent interview, the attorney general explained that the center would be used to detain individuals who are not legally in the United States. He emphasized that Florida officials would prioritize those with criminal convictions but intended to enforce immigration laws broadly. Referring to the project, he said, “In Florida, we believe in the swamp, we are creatures of the swamp. With no way in or out.”

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