Florida AG wants to build new 'Alligator Alcatraz' to house 'criminal aliens' in predator-filled swamp
Florida 's attorney general unveiled controversial plans to build a new immigration detention center - nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz' - as part of President Trump's sweeping crackdown to deport so-called 'criminal aliens '.
Attorney General James Uthmeier has loudly thrown his support behind the Trump Administration's mass deportation agenda, declaring that the Sunshine State has already been lending a leading hand - and has no plans to stop anytime soon.
His loyalty to the cause was on full display this week, when the 37-year-old politician proposed building a massive 39-square-mile detention center deep in the Everglades - encircled by thousands of pythons and alligators.
'Alligator Alcatraz - this existing island in the middle of the swamp presents a great option for criminal detention and deportation,' Uthmeier wrote to X.
'The one-stop shop to carry out President Trump's mass deportation agenda,' he added.
Uthmeier took to X on Thursday, sharing a one-minute, rock-and-roll-fueled video showcasing his vision for the controversial detention center - set at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a forgotten pilot training airstrip in the Everglades.
He emphasized that 'Florida's been leading in immigration enforcement,' positioning the facility as the state's next big move in ICE's mission to round up what he referred to as 'criminal aliens'.
In a span of just six days this past April, ICE agents in Florida arrested a staggering 1,120 people - underscoring the state's aggressive role in the nationwide crackdown, according to an ICE press release.
In the video, Uthmeier emphasized the nationwide need for temporary detention centers, suggesting the 'virtually abandoned airstrip' could serve as an ideal makeshift facility.
'The government tasked state leaders to identify places for new temporary detention facilities,' he said.
'I think this is the best one. As I call it, Alligator Alcatraz.'
He billed the plan as a budget-friendly, escape-proof solution - thanks to the alligator and python-infested Everglades surrounding the remote site like a natural fortress, a feature he claimed would slash security costs.
'Efficient. Low cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don't need to invest that much into the perimeter,' Uthmeier explained.
'People get out. There's not much waiting for them, other than alligators and pythons,' he added.
'Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.'
Pitching his plan to the White House, Uthmeier claimed 'Alligator Alcatraz' could be operational in just 30 to 60 days - and house up to 1,000 so-called 'criminal aliens'.
Doubling down, the attorney general highlighted that the makeshift detention center would be surrounded by more than 200,000 alligators - adding a chilling layer of natural security
Doubling down, the attorney general highlighted that the makeshift detention center would be surrounded by more than 200,000 alligators - adding a chilling layer of natural security.
'This presents a great opportunity for the state of Florida to work with Miami Dade and Collier counties,' Uthmeier stated.
'Alligator Alcatraz - we're ready to go.'
According to Fox Business, which got an exclusive first look at the property, part of the appeal is the airstrip - allowing immigrants to be flown in directly, avoiding the process of relocating them multiple times.
The proposal appeared to win backing from the Department of Homeland Security, who reposted Uthmeier's video on their own account - proudly hyping it with the bold caption, 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ'.
'Under 287g authority, state and local law enforcement can now assist with immigration functions, including: arrests, transportation and detention,' the department wrote to X.
'287g is a force multiplier in completing the President's mission and making America safe again.'
But the idea has sparked fierce backlash, with critics condemning it over environmental risks and calling out the inhumane conditions of detaining people in such camps - especially ones with dangerous wildlife surrounding each side.
Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, stood out as just one vocal critic, joining a chorus of voices rejecting the proposal.
'This site is really important to Friends of the Everglades,' Samples told CBS News.
'It's actually the reason Friends of the Everglades was founded by Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 1969, to stop what would have been the world's largest airport from being built right there,' she added.
'We call on the governor to put a stop to this proposal right now. It's a terribly bad idea.'
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also voiced strong concerns about 'Alligator Alcatraz' in a letter to Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
In her letter dated June 23, Cava outlined three key concerns: environmental impacts and mitigation, financial analysis, and public safety and security.
'I understand there is an intention to begin work on the site as early as Monday,' she wrote.
'There has not been sufficient time to fully discuss these matters, and I thank you for your attention to these concerns given the rapid pace of the state's effort,' she continued.
'I trust we will continue to work in partnership on initiatives that ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Floridians.'
Florida Democrat Representative Maxwell Frost added his take on X, posting, 'Donald Trump and his Administration have turned our immigration system into a taxpayer-funded kidnapping operation.'
California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla wrote on X: 'The numbers don't lie. Trump isn't focused on violent criminals - he's wasting money and resources going after children, families and taxpayers.'
For now, it's still uncertain whether the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' project will move beyond the planning stages.
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