A new migrant detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” in the remote Florida Everglades began receiving its first group of detainees on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility near Ochopee, the center is intended as a deterrent to illegal immigration and has faced protests over environmental and humanitarian concerns.
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrival, stating, “Alligator Alcatraz will be checking in hundreds of criminal illegal aliens tonight. Next stop: back to where they came from.”
About the Facility
The facility was constructed rapidly, reportedly in eight days, across 10 miles (16 kilometers) within the Everglades. It is situated at an airport site used for training purposes.
According to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, the center is designed to hold approximately 3,000 detainees when fully operational. Security features include over 200 cameras, extensive barbed wire measuring over 28,000 feet (8,500 meters), and 400 security personnel.
Police check vehicles entering the new 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center entrance in Ochopee, Florida Everglades, July 2025.
Purpose and Naming
State officials, including Gov. DeSantis, state that the facility’s remote location in the rugged Florida Everglades is intended as a deterrent to people entering the country illegally.
The name “Alligator Alcatraz” is a deliberate reference to the notorious federal prison located on an island, known for its harsh conditions. This naming choice is described by officials as a way to send a strong message.
Controversy and Concerns
The facility has drawn protests from environmental groups and Native American tribes who have protested against the center.
Critics argue it threatens the fragile Everglades ecosystem, poses cruel conditions for detainees due to the intense heat and presence of mosquitoes, and is built on land considered sacred by tribes.
The site is also prone to frequent heavy rains. Reports indicated some flooding occurred in tents during a visit by President Donald Trump to mark its opening shortly before detainees arrived. State officials claim the complex is designed to withstand a Category 2 hurricane and that contractors worked overnight to address areas where flooding occurred.
Political Context and Promotion
The creation and promotion of the facility align with the Trump administration and its allies’ approach to immigration enforcement, which includes utilizing deterrents and public messaging, sometimes described as scare tactics.
State and federal officials have actively promoted the facility through social media and conservative media, sometimes using imagery involving alligators and “ICE” labeling. The Republican Party of Florida has also used the facility’s name for fundraising efforts, selling merchandise emblazoned with the name.
Conclusion
The “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility in the Florida Everglades is now operational, beginning to house detainees as part of a state and federal strategy emphasizing deterrence. Its rapid construction, remote location, and symbolic name are key features, while critics continue to raise concerns about its environmental impact and the welfare of detainees housed there.