Former Congressional Candidate Laura Loomer Says Alligators Deserve 65 Million Meals, but Who Is She Talking About?

Former Congressional Candidate Laura Loomer Says Alligators Deserve 65 Million Meals, but Who Is She Talking About?

A recently constructed detention center for undocumented immigrants in the Florida Everglades is drawing national attention. Nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the facility sits on a remote, decommissioned airstrip surrounded by swamps, alligators, and pythons. The location’s isolation and rushed timeline have raised concerns among immigrant advocates and civil rights groups. And now Laura Loomer is in the midst of the discourse.

Laura Loomer Made a Tweet That Is Concerning Latinos

The facility became a trending topic after a tweet from former congressional candidate Laura Loomer. “Alligator lives matter. The good news is, alligators are guaranteed at least 65 million meals if we get started now,” she wrote.

Her reference to “65 million” prompted backlash. There are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, but around 65 million Latinos live in the country, according to recent Census data. Critics believe the tweet may have been referring to the entire Latino population, not just undocumented individuals. That coincidence has raised accusations that the tweet was more than rhetorical provocation.

Questions Around the Facility’s Purpose and Design

Supporters of the project, including the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, claim it will house individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. “Murderers and rapists,” she said, referring to who the facility is meant for. While violent offenders should be held accountable (anyone with common sense can agree with this), recent history shows that people with no criminal record — sometimes even U.S. citizens — are being detained by ICE agents based on merely appearance or language.

Completed in under a month, the site includes open-air quarters with metal fences, bunk beds, and exposed restrooms. It relies on the Everglades’ terrain and wildlife as a natural barrier.

Why This Raises Alarm for Latino Communities

Many in Latino communities view the facility with concern, especially in a state like Florida where Latinos make up a large percentage of the population. The idea that millions of people could be conflated with criminals creates fear, especially as ICE raids continue to happen in major cities. Because of this, some are worried that Loomer’s message is foreshadowing some components of ethnic cleansing.

Ethnic cleansing is a term used to describe efforts to remove or target people based on identity. Though the term is most often associated with war crimes, the idea of targeting an entire population due to perceived association with undocumented immigration crosses into dangerous territory. Some observers even have said Loomer’s comments suggest a worrisome shift in tone toward Latino residents in the U.S.

A Call for Clarity and Responsibility

Amid rising tensions, calls for measured dialogue, accountability, and policy rooted in fact — not fear —have grown louder. The number of Latinos living in the United States is not a threat. It is a demographic reality built on families, work, culture, and resilience.

Let’s not forget that Latinos are the second-largest racial or ethnic group in the United States. This group also contribute significantly to the economy and growth of the United States. In 2025, their buying power is projected to reach $3.2 trillion, according to Forbes. Statements that suggest otherwise or encourage hostility (like the one made by Laura Loomer) toward this population are being watched carefully.

For now, experts continue to call for immigration policies rooted in law and respect. And as reminder: Being undocumented is a civil offense, not a crime. Nevertheless, the situation around “Alligator Alcatraz” continues to evolve. So do the conversations about what is to happen next.

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