Florida’s Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: New Migrant Detention Center in the Everglades

Florida is set to build a new detention center for migrants, nicknamed the ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ This facility will be located at a nearly deserted airport in the Everglades.

Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, mentioned that much of the funding will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been used before to assist undocumented migrants. However, not everyone is in favor of this plan. Critics, including Miami-Dade County’s mayor, warn it could harm the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades.

This move aligns with former President Trump’s goal of increasing deportations. Noem emphasized the urgency, noting they are working quickly to fulfill the demand for mass deportations. The facility is expected to cost around $450 million annually and could accommodate up to 1,000 people.

Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, claimed the location would deter potential escapes, saying that if someone tries to flee, “all they’ll find are alligators and pythons.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Daniela Levine Cava expressed serious concerns about the environmental consequences, stating that any disruption could be "devastating" to the Everglades, which is home to diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

As discussions continue, public sentiment is mixed. Many people on social media have voiced their worries about the environmental impact and the ethics of detaining migrants in such a setting.

A recent survey showed that nearly 60% of Floridians are concerned about the environmental effects of the facility, reflecting a growing awareness of conservation issues in the state. The Everglades is not just a national park; it’s a vital habitat that regulates water flow and supports various species.

For more detailed insights about the Everglades’ ecological importance, you can refer to the National Park Service.

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