Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center would leverage the Everglades’ natural predators as a security feature, creating a virtually escape-proof facility for illegal migrants at minimal taxpayer cost.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has proposed a 39-square-mile detention facility in the Everglades surrounded by alligators and pythons
- The “Alligator Alcatraz” could house up to 1,000 criminal aliens and become operational within 30-60 days
- The proposal addresses ICE’s current over-capacity issues, as detention centers currently hold 53,000 migrants while only funded for 41,500
- The facility would utilize a “virtually abandoned airport” with natural barriers that reduce security costs
- The site would support President Trump’s mass deportation agenda and Florida’s leadership in immigration enforcement
Strategic Location Utilizes Natural Barriers
Florida’s bold move to address the illegal immigration crisis takes advantage of the state’s unique ecosystem. The proposed “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center would be situated in a 39-square-mile plot of the Everglades, home to over 200,000 alligators and numerous pythons. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has offered this strategic location to support President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, highlighting how the natural environment serves as a built-in security feature that significantly reduces infrastructure costs.
“It presents an efficient, low-cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter. People get out; there’s not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
The facility would utilize the largely unused Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility, transforming it into a detention center that could house approximately 1,000 illegal migrants. With minimal renovations required, officials estimate the center could be operational within one to two months, providing a rapid response to the current detention capacity crisis. The proposal leverages existing infrastructure while minimizing taxpayer burden through innovative use of Florida’s natural resources.
WOW. FL Attorney General James Uthmeier outlines plans to build a temporary ICE detention facility for criminal illegals in the Florida Everglades named "Alligator Alcatraz" which is surrounded by alligators and pythons. 🔥pic.twitter.com/rCOIrRWd8n
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 19, 2025
Addressing ICE’s Detention Capacity Crisis
The proposal comes at a critical time when ICE detention facilities are severely overcapacity. Current centers are holding approximately 53,000 illegal migrants, significantly exceeding the Congressional funding allocation for 41,500 beds. This overextension has pushed ICE about $1 billion over budget for the fiscal year 2024, creating an unsustainable situation that requires immediate action. The “Alligator Alcatraz” represents a practical solution to this growing crisis.
“Illegal migrants could soon be held in a massive new immigration detention center in Florida, which has been dubbed the ‘Alligator Alcatraz,'” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
The White House has increased ICE’s daily arrest quota from 1,800 to 3,000, intensifying the need for additional detention capacity. If the “Big Beautiful Bill” passes Congress, ICE would receive $45 billion to expand detention capabilities, but immediate solutions are required in the interim. Florida’s proposal offers a bridge solution that could be implemented quickly while larger funding and facility expansions are developed, demonstrating the state’s commitment to supporting federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Florida’s Leadership in Immigration Enforcement
Florida has established itself as a national leader in immigration enforcement under the current administration. The state boasts the highest number of law enforcement agencies working with ICE through the 287(g) Program, with 43% of such agreements nationwide located in Florida. This program, described by the Department of Homeland Security as a “force multiplier” for immigration enforcement, demonstrates Florida’s commitment to supporting President Trump’s immigration policies through practical state-level action.
“Florida’s been leading on immigration enforcement, supporting the Trump administration and ICE’s efforts to detain and deport criminal aliens,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
The “Alligator Alcatraz” proposal aligns perfectly with the state’s existing enforcement framework. Uthmeier has positioned the facility as “the one-stop shop to carry out President Trump’s mass deportation agenda,” highlighting Florida’s continued commitment to national security through immigration enforcement. With the Department of Homeland Security supportive of the proposal, the detention center could soon become a reality, further cementing Florida’s position as a key partner in federal immigration control efforts.
