On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump traveled to Florida to inaugurate a newly established migrant detention facility, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," located in the heart of the Everglades. Touching down shortly after 10:30 a.m. at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, where the facility is also based, Trump was greeted on the tarmac by Governor Ron DeSantis. "Welcome to Alligator Alcatraz, I like that name, by the way," DeSantis remarked as he welcomed the president.
Joining Trump on this visit were Secretary of Homeland Security Kristy Noem and various local officials. Before embarking on a tour of the facilities, Trump and DeSantis had a brief discussion about the project. Trump sported a cap emblazoned with "Gulf of America" as part of his ensemble.
A Tour of Controversy
During the tour, Trump greeted members of the National Guard who constructed Alligator Alcatraz in record time. "It's a great honor to be deep in the Florida Everglades to open America's newest migrant detention center... These facilities will soon house some of the most threatening migrants, some of the cruelest people on the planet," he stated in a press briefing following the tour.
Facility Details and Public Outcry
Constructed on an abandoned airstrip in just eight days, the center can accommodate up to 3,000 undocumented immigrants, despite prior claims of a 5,000 capacity. The facility has sparked significant backlash from human rights organizations, indigenous communities, and environmental groups. Last week, two local organizations filed a lawsuit against the government, alleging failure to conduct legally required environmental impact studies.
Initial interior images reveal large cage-like spaces covered by tents, prompting critics to label it an "inhumane internment camp."
Trump's Controversial Statements
Before heading to Florida, Trump made some eyebrow-raising remarks to the press on the White House lawn. Referring to the Everglades and its alligators, he advised: "We'll teach you how to evade an alligator. Don't run in a straight line, run like this..." as he demonstrated a zigzag motion with his hand. He added with a grin, "Your odds [of escaping] improve by about 1%."
At the site, when questioned by a reporter about whether this facility could serve as a model for others, Trump responded, "Maybe. Not every place has such beautiful and secure land. We have lots of bodyguards and plenty of alligator police... I wouldn't want to wander the Everglades for too long."
Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the center as a prime example of state and federal government cooperation on immigration policy. According to DeSantis, this facility represents a strong step in enforcing the Trump administration's immigration directives.
Understanding Alligator Alcatraz: Key Questions Answered
What is the capacity of the Alligator Alcatraz detention center?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center can hold up to 3,000 undocumented immigrants, though it was initially said to have a capacity for 5,000.
Why has the detention center faced criticism?
The center has been criticized by human rights groups, indigenous communities, and environmentalists for bypassing required environmental impact studies and for its inhumane conditions, described as resembling internment camps.
What role does the National Guard play in the detention center?
The National Guard was responsible for the rapid construction of Alligator Alcatraz, completing it in just eight days.