First Immigrants Arrive at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Detention Center in the Everglades

The first group of immigration detainees has arrived at Florida’s controversial new detention facility deep in the Everglades—nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” by officials. The center, constructed in just over a week, is drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups and Native American communities, even as state leaders tout it as a deterrent against undocumented immigration.

DeSantis-Backed Center Now Operational

According to Jae Williams, press secretary for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, “people are there” at the site, although specific numbers and the timing of arrivals have not yet been disclosed.

Uthmeier, a key architect behind the project, announced the news Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Next stop: back to where they came from.”

The detention center, located at a remote training airport within the Everglades, is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ increasingly hardline immigration stance. Built in just eight days, the facility initially holds up to 3,000 detainees, with plans to expand capacity to 5,000 by early July.

High Security, Harsh Conditions

State officials describe the center as highly secure, featuring over 200 surveillance cameras, 28,000 feet of barbed wire, and 400 security personnel. Immigrants arrested under the federal 287(g) program—led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—are expected to be processed through this facility. The program allows local law enforcement to detain individuals for possible deportation following ICE interrogation.

However, critics have dubbed the facility’s nickname and location as both symbolic and punitive. Modeled after the infamous Alcatraz prison, the remote compound has already seen issues, including tent flooding caused by heavy rain during a recent visit by former President Donald Trump.

Despite assurances that the site can withstand a Category 2 hurricane, questions remain about the safety and sustainability of the location, which is prone to storms, sweltering heat, and swarms of mosquitoes.

Indigenous and Environmental Opposition

The center’s location has sparked backlash from environmentalists and local Native American tribes. Activists argue that the facility poses a threat to the fragile Everglades ecosystem and encroaches on sacred Indigenous land. Human rights advocates have also raised alarms over the facility’s living conditions and the psychological toll of detaining migrants in such an isolated area.

“This is not just bad policy—it’s a humanitarian and environmental crisis waiting to happen,” said one Everglades conservation group in a statement.

Political Messaging and Fundraising

The facility has become a political flashpoint and fundraising tool for conservatives. Images of the center—some featuring cartoon alligators in ICE hats guarding the perimeter—have circulated widely on social media and right-wing platforms. The Florida Republican Party is even selling merchandise, including T-shirts and beer koozies emblazoned with “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Supporters claim the center will act as a strong deterrent to undocumented immigration. Opponents see it as part of a broader strategy to dehumanize immigrants and escalate fear-based policies ahead of the 2024 election cycle.