Florida pitches 'Alligator Alcatraz' to detain illegal immigrants
Author of the article
enette Wilford
Published Jun 20, 2025 • Last updated 13 hours ago • 2 minute read
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has proposed that a new detention centre be built in his state to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as they carry out mass deportation efforts under the Trump administration.
The Republican posted a video on X showcasing a large swath of land — 39 square miles — owned by Miami-Dade County.
The “virtually abandoned airport facility” also happens to be in the middle of the Everglades, surrounded by alligators and pythons — hence, why Uthmeier has dubbed the potential space “Alligator Alcatraz.”
He noted on the video that it would have the capacity to “house as many as 1,000 criminal aliens,” and it could be up and running within as little as 30 to 60 days.
“Florida’s been leading on immigration enforcement, supporting the Trump administration and ICE’s efforts to detain and deport criminal aliens,” the AG said in the clip.
“The government tasked state leaders to identify places for new temporary detention facilities,” he continued.
“I think this is the best one. As I call it, Alligator Alcatraz.”
Uthmeier boasted the the massive plot of land offers an “efficient, low-cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter,” which has alligators and pythons “waiting” for anyone who manages to escape.
“Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide,” he added.
Uthmeier concluded: “Alligator alcatraz, we’re ready to go.”
While many supported the idea, calling it “fantastic” and a “great solution,” others questioned who would pay for it and who would eat the cost for housing them.
ICE migrant detention centres are currently overwhelmed with about 53,000 illegal immigrants under the Trump administration’s latest push — far beyond what is funded by Congress.
The agency is blowing through its budget, with ICE $1 billion over budget, Axios reported.
It’s unknown what the White House thinks of Alligator Alcatraz but it appears the Department of Homeland Security in on board with the offer, reposting Uthmeier’s video on X.
“ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ,” the department wrote, before noting the delegation of certain immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement agencies by ICE.
“Under 287g authority, state and local law enforcement can now assist with immigration functions, including: arrests, transportation, and detention. 287g is a force multiplier in completing the President’s mission and making America safe again.”
Florida's AG proposed that a new detention centre be built in his state to assist ICE as they carry out mass deportation efforts.
torontosun.com
