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Miami-Dade Mayor Criticizes Immigration Policies and Demands Access to Detention Center

Thursday, July 10, 2025 by Charlotte Gomez

Recently, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed strong disapproval of the country's immigration strategies and insisted that the State of Florida allow the county to oversee the immigration detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz. This facility, situated on county-owned land in the Everglades, has become a controversial topic. "Even if the State has taken control of the site under emergency powers, it is still the taxpayers of Miami-Dade who own that property," Levine Cava asserted.

In a video shared on the social platform X, the mayor voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency, the conditions reported by detainees, and the environmental ramifications of the project. She urged for access to the site and real-time remote monitoring. Levine Cava formalized her demands through letters sent to senior officials. In correspondence with State Attorney James Uthmeier, she requested "monitoring access to the state facility known as 'Alligator Alcatraz'" and the right for county teams to verify the center's conditions and environmental impact. "Given the environmental significance of the Everglades and growing concerns about unsafe conditions at these facilities, transparency is crucial with our community," she emphasized.

Demands for Federal Oversight

In another letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Levine Cava requested a detailed report on deaths under ICE custody in Florida this year. During her public statement, the Democratic mayor openly criticized the approach of U.S. immigration authorities, accusing them of prioritizing fear over justice. "Our community is home to many individuals from diverse countries worldwide, many of whom fled violence and oppression in search of the American Dream. They are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Yet, at present, federal immigration agencies prioritize fear and coercion over compassion and justice," she asserted.

Critique of Federal Immigration Policy

Additionally, Levine Cava criticized the removal of immigration protections under the Trump administration. "Efforts should focus on securing our borders and deporting dangerous criminals rather than removing safeguards for law-abiding individuals contributing to our economy," she stated. "This is not a crisis to fear but an opportunity to be managed with compassion," she countered the federal narrative of a migration crisis, echoed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Levine Cava concluded with a call for immigration policies that reflect the country's democratic values. "The nation we are was created under the promise of freedom and equality; we should ensure our policies reflect those ideas," she concluded.

The Controversial Alligator Alcatraz

The detention center, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, opened on July 2nd, constructed on an abandoned airstrip within the Big Cypress National Preserve, 40 miles west of Miami. With a pop-up camp design featuring climate-controlled tents, it can house up to 3,000 individuals under the watch of 400 guards and 200 cameras. The project's estimated annual cost is $450 million. While press access is limited, and official figures are unavailable, reports suggest at least 400 individuals are already housed there. A delegation of Democratic state legislators attempted to visit but was denied entry citing security reasons.

Legal and Social Pressure Mounts

The Florida Immigrant Coalition has erected billboards in Miami-Dade urging the mayor to file a lawsuit against the center. "The entity best positioned to file a lawsuit and protect the county's interests is the county itself since they owned this land, which was expropriated," said Thomas Kennedy, a spokesperson for the group. Simultaneously, the organization Friends of the Everglades filed a federal lawsuit challenging the land expropriation and warning of ecosystem damage.

However, county officials face potential legal repercussions: Deputy Attorney Christopher Wahl warned in court documents that elected officials could be suspended by the governor if deemed to obstruct state law enforcement. The conflict between Levine Cava and DeSantis is not merely institutional; it also suggests potential future political clashes, as the mayor is seen as a Democratic figure with prospects for state or federal office, according to local media.

For now, the battle over access and oversight of the Alligator Alcatraz center is the latest chapter in an ongoing clash of views on immigration, justice, and governance in Florida.

Key Issues Surrounding Alligator Alcatraz

What are the main concerns about Alligator Alcatraz?

Concerns include lack of transparency, conditions reported by detainees, environmental impacts, and the state's control over county-owned property.

Why is Miami-Dade County involved in this issue?

The detention center is built on land owned by Miami-Dade taxpayers, and the county seeks to ensure proper oversight and transparency.

What actions have been taken against the detention center?

The Florida Immigrant Coalition has campaigned for legal action, and Friends of the Everglades filed a federal lawsuit citing environmental concerns.

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