On Monday, former President Donald Trump formally endorsed Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for the 2026 electoral cycle, lauding him as the mastermind behind the controversial migrant detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz and offering his "complete and total endorsement."
In his statement, Trump characterized Uthmeier as a "true America First warrior and a genuine champion of the MAGA movement," highlighting him as the "man behind Alligator Alcatraz." This contentious detention center, located in Florida's Everglades, was operational from July 2025 to June 2026.
"Under James's courageous leadership, over 1,000 criminal pedophiles have been apprehended, missing children have been recovered, and our outstanding law enforcement officers have been empowered to do their jobs and keep Florida secure," Trump declared.
The former president also noted Uthmeier's role in arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court to defend executive power in dismissing officials from the so-called "deep state." This pertains to the landmark Trump v. Wilcox decision in May 2025, which expanded presidential authority to remove officials.
Trump concluded his message with a pledge of continuity: "James Uthmeier is a strong conservative fighter and attorney, and he has my full and unwavering support. He won't let you down!"
Alligator Alcatraz, Uthmeier's most notable project, was a migrant detention facility rapidly constructed in just eight days at the site of the former Dade-Collier airport in the Everglades. It could accommodate up to 5,000 individuals and incurred an annual cost of approximately $450 million.
The facility faced allegations of detainee mistreatment, including reports of guards allegedly using pepper spray and physical force against migrants during an internal protest in April 2026.
Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the facility's permanent closure in June 2026, after processing around 21,000 deportations. By mid-July, aerial images revealed the site had been completely dismantled.
Uthmeier was appointed as Florida's Attorney General by DeSantis on February 17, 2025, succeeding Ashley Moody, who moved on to the federal Senate.
FAQs on James Uthmeier and Alligator Alcatraz
What was Alligator Alcatraz?
Alligator Alcatraz was a migrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, operational from July 2025 to June 2026. It was known for its rapid construction and controversies surrounding detainee treatment.
Why did Trump endorse James Uthmeier?
Trump praised Uthmeier for his leadership and conservative values, specifically recognizing his role in the controversial Alligator Alcatraz project and his efforts in law enforcement and executive power expansion.