Alligator-Walled Facility PROPOSED — Democrats FURIOUS

Hand holding sign with Deportation Order text

Florida is proposing a new detention center for illegal migrants dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” surrounded by thousands of alligators and pythons in the Everglades to naturally deter escapes while dramatically cutting security costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has proposed an “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center that could house 1,000 illegal migrants in the Everglades
  • The facility would utilize a “virtually abandoned airport” surrounded by alligators and pythons as natural security barriers, significantly reducing perimeter costs
  • The detention center could be operational within 30-60 days and supports President Trump’s mass deportation agenda
  • ICE is currently over capacity by approximately 11,500 detainees and $1 billion over budget
  • Florida leads the nation in law enforcement agencies working with ICE, with 43% of such agreements in the state

Florida’s Innovative Solution to the Immigration Detention Crisis

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has offered President Trump a unique solution to address the nation’s immigration detention facility shortage. The proposal involves transforming a largely unused 39-square-mile airstrip in the Everglades into what Uthmeier has colorfully dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” This innovative detention center would leverage the surrounding natural environment—home to over 200,000 alligators and numerous pythons—as a cost-effective security measure. The Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility could be quickly converted to house approximately 1,000 illegal migrants awaiting deportation, with estimates suggesting it could be operational within just one to two months.

“Alligator Alcatraz: the one-stop shop to carry out President Trump’s mass deportation agenda,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.

Addressing ICE’s Capacity and Budget Crisis

The proposal comes at a critical time for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Current detention facilities are holding approximately 53,000 illegal migrants, significantly exceeding the Congressional funding allocation for 41,500 beds. This overcapacity situation has pushed ICE about $1 billion over its $3.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. The “Alligator Alcatraz” concept offers a pragmatic solution to this financial strain by utilizing natural barriers instead of expensive perimeter security infrastructure. The White House has recently increased ICE’s daily arrest quota from 1,800 to 3,000, further straining the agency’s resources and highlighting the urgent need for additional detention capacity.

“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.

Florida’s Leadership in Immigration Enforcement

Florida has positioned itself as a national leader in immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration. The state boasts 43% of all law enforcement agency agreements with ICE through the 287(g) Program, which the Department of Homeland Security describes as a vital “force multiplier” for immigration enforcement efforts. This existing framework of cooperation between state and federal authorities makes Florida uniquely positioned to implement this innovative detention solution. Uthmeier’s proposal aligns perfectly with President Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities while offering a practical solution to immediate detention capacity issues.

“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 future looks promising for expanded detention capacity if the “Big Beautiful Bill” passes Congress, which would allocate $45 billion to ICE specifically for this purpose. Until then, innovative solutions like “Alligator Alcatraz” represent a practical approach to addressing immediate needs while supporting the President’s broader immigration enforcement agenda. With Florida’s proven track record of cooperation with federal immigration authorities and the readily available infrastructure in the Everglades, this detention facility could become a model for cost-effective immigration enforcement nationwide.

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