Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has ignited public debate with a bold and contentious proposal: to establish the state's largest immigrant detention center in the heart of the Everglades, dubbed the "Alligator Alcatraz". The proposed facility would be situated at the largely abandoned Collier Training Center, an expansive 39-square-mile airport infrastructure with a 10,500-foot runway.
A promotional video for the project was shared on social media by the conservative outlet Florida's Voice. "This offers an efficient and cost-effective opportunity to build a temporary detention center, as minimal investment is needed for the perimeter," Uthmeier stated.
Nature as a Deterrent
One of the reasons cited for choosing this location is its natural surroundings. "Once outside, there isn't much to encounter besides alligators and pythons. There's nowhere to go, nowhere to hide," the attorney general explained.
Uthmeier envisions the facility as a "three-in-one center," designed to house undocumented immigrants with criminal records, process their legal cases, and expedite their deportation directly from the airport runway. "If anyone were to escape, they'd have nowhere to run or hide; only alligators and pythons would be waiting. That's why I like to call it 'Alligator Alcatraz,'" Uthmeier emphasized in an interview with Fox Business.
Support from Florida's National Guard
The project aims to accommodate up to 1,000 beds and would receive logistical support from the Florida National Guard. Military attorneys would serve as immigration judges to speed up legal proceedings.
Aligning with Trump's Immigration Agenda
This initiative is part of a broader legal and political strategy promoted by the Trump administration and supported by Florida. "Florida has led the way in enforcing immigration laws, backing efforts by the Trump administration and ICE to detain and deport criminal aliens," Uthmeier declared.
The facility is intended to serve as a "one-stop shop" to carry out Trump’s promise of executing the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. During a congressional speech in March, Trump stated, "We will protect our homeland and complete the largest deportation operation in U.S. history."
State Law and Immigration Control Council
The proposal comes after Governor Ron DeSantis tasked state officials with identifying locations for temporary detention centers, supported by newly passed anti-illegal immigration legislation. As part of this new institutional framework, Florida has established the State Immigration Control Council, composed of sheriffs and police chiefs, overseen by a board of state cabinet members and legislators.
Reopening Alcatraz: A Historical Symbol
In early May, Donald Trump ordered the reopening and expansion of the iconic federal prison of Alcatraz in California to incarcerate the "most ruthless and violent criminals in America." Alcatraz, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, served as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963. It was closed due to high maintenance costs.
Reopening Alcatraz would not only be an administrative move but also carry significant symbolic weight, reflecting a period of severe punishment and isolation. Florida's version of Alcatraz seems to compete with this symbolism, invoking a wild and predatory fauna as a deterrent to escape attempts.
A Divisive Proposal
Supporters of the administration's tough stance have praised the idea, commending Florida for its pioneering approach. However, others find the project simply appalling.
While Uthmeier has marketed the "Alligator Alcatraz" as an "economic" and "efficient" opportunity, the ethical and humanitarian implications of a prison surrounded by wild fauna as a deterrent have sparked controversy. The attorney general has urged local officials to formalize agreements with ICE.
As recent as June, Uthmeier publicly warned Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony for expressing doubts about immigration cooperation. Simultaneously, immigration raids have intensified, with a notable operation in Tallahassee gaining national attention in late May, escalating pressure on immigrant communities in Florida.
Promoters present the "Alligator Alcatraz" plan as a bold and pragmatic solution to the rise in illegal immigration. However, for critics and human rights advocates, it symbolizes a concerning shift toward the criminalization and dehumanization of immigrants.
Transforming a hostile and wild environment into a security tool raises profound ethical questions. The imagery of alligators and pythons acting as "natural guards" evokes a dystopian film rather than a humane justice system.
Despite the backlash, Uthmeier remains resolute. "Alligator Alcatraz: we're ready to begin," he concluded. The project's fate now lies in the hands of state legislators and federal officials.
Understanding Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" Proposal
What is the "Alligator Alcatraz" proposal?
The "Alligator Alcatraz" is a proposed immigrant detention center in Florida's Everglades, intended to house, process, and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Why is the location in the Everglades chosen for the detention center?
The Everglades location was chosen for its natural deterrents, such as alligators and pythons, which make escape difficult.
How does the proposal align with Trump’s immigration policy?
The proposal supports Trump's immigration policy by facilitating the detention and deportation of criminal aliens, aligning with his goal of executing the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.