Key Takeaways
• Florida plans a 5,000-bed detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz,” opening July 2025 in Everglades’ Dade-Collier Airport.
• Facility uses tents and trailers for quick setup, guarded by National Guard, supported by 287(g) program for immigration enforcement.
• Critics warn of legal access issues, poor living conditions, environmental risks; legal challenges could delay operations.
On June 23, 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a major development in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement: the federal government has approved Florida’s plan to build a massive immigration detention facility at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. This site, deep in the Everglades and surrounded by wildlife, has quickly earned the nickname “Alligator Alcatraz.” Construction is already underway, and the facility is expected to open in the first week of July 2025. With a planned capacity of 5,000 beds and support from the National Guard, this project marks one of the largest expansions of immigration detention in Florida’s history.
Why is Florida building “Alligator Alcatraz”?
State officials say the facility is needed to help federal agencies detain and deport undocumented migrants more quickly. Florida has an estimated 600,000 undocumented migrants, and leaders like Attorney General Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis argue that the state must act to support federal immigration enforcement. The new detention site is part of a broader push to align state and federal efforts, especially under the Trump administration’s policies, which focus on mass deportation and strict border control.
Let’s break down what this means for Florida, the people who may be detained, and the wider immigration system.
The Facility: Location, Capacity, and Security
Where is “Alligator Alcatraz” located?
The facility is being built at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a remote airfield in the middle of the Everglades. The site covers about 39 square miles and, according to state officials, is home to more than 200,000 alligators. The airfield’s long, 11,000-foot runway can handle large aircraft, making it easy to transport detainees in and out.
What will the facility look like?
Instead of permanent buildings, the site will use “heavy-duty tent facilities” and trailers. This approach allows for quick construction and flexibility if the number of detainees changes. The National Guard will be on-site to help with security and daily operations.
How is the site secured?
The location itself acts as a natural barrier. Surrounded by swamps, alligators, and pythons, the site is difficult to access or escape. State officials say this makes the facility more secure and less expensive to guard than traditional detention centers.
How the Facility Fits into Florida’s Immigration Enforcement
Federal and State Cooperation
The federal government, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has formally approved the use of the Dade-Collier site for immigration detention. Florida has offered $20 million to Miami-Dade County to purchase the property. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is managing the site’s acquisition and operational planning.
New State Legislation
In 2025, Florida passed new laws (Chapter 2025-1, L.O.F.) to create the State Board of Immigration Enforcement within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This board coordinates with federal agencies, collects data, and reports on detention capacity. The state has also signed new agreements with ICE under the 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement officers to carry out certain federal immigration duties.
Who is involved in running the facility?
– Florida law enforcement agencies (FDLE, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida State Guard)
– National Guard (providing security and operational support)
– Federal agencies (DHS and ICE, overseeing detention and deportation processes)
– Miami-Dade County (current owner of the site, considering the state’s purchase offer)
Step-by-Step: How the Detention Process Works
- Site Acquisition
Florida offers $20 million to Miami-Dade County for the Dade-Collier site. -
Federal Approval
DHS and ICE approve the facility plan and coordinate with state agencies. -
Construction and Setup
Tents, trailers, and security infrastructure are quickly set up, with help from the National Guard. -
Detention Operations
State and local law enforcement, now deputized under the 287(g) program, apprehend undocumented migrants and transport them to the facility. -
Processing and Due Process
Detainees receive court-mandated due process, which means they have the right to a hearing and legal procedures as required by law. ICE and state officials prepare charging documents and arrange for legal proceedings. -
Deportation
Once legal processes are complete, detainees are transported out of the United States 🇺🇸 using the site’s airfield.
The Numbers: Capacity and Costs
- Initial capacity: 5,000 beds at “Alligator Alcatraz,” with the possibility of more facilities across Florida if needed.
- Site size: 39 square miles, surrounded by the Everglades and wildlife.
- Purchase offer: $20 million from Florida to Miami-Dade County.
- Estimated undocumented migrants in Florida: 600,000.
- Additional facilities: ICE is reopening the Glades County Jail in Moore Haven, adding up to 500 beds for immigration detention.
Supporters’ Perspective: Security, Efficiency, and Federal Alignment
State officials, including Attorney General Uthmeier and Governor DeSantis, argue that “Alligator Alcatraz” is a secure and cost-effective solution to a growing problem. They say the remote location, natural barriers, and temporary structures allow for quick expansion and strong security. Uthmeier has stated, “We’ll detain, deport and get people out of this country. It’s a great facility.”
Supporters also point to the 287(g) program as a “force multiplier,” allowing state and local officers to help federal agents with immigration enforcement. They believe this cooperation is necessary to handle the large number of undocumented migrants in Florida.
Critics’ Perspective: Human Rights, Legal Access, and Living Conditions
Not everyone agrees with the state’s approach. Immigrant rights groups and some legal experts have raised several concerns:
- Isolation: The facility’s remote location in the Everglades could make it hard for detainees to access legal help, family visits, or outside oversight.
- Living conditions: Using tents and trailers for long-term detention raises questions about safety, health, and comfort, especially in Florida’s hot and humid climate.
- Environmental hazards: The presence of alligators, snakes, and swampland could pose risks to detainees and staff.
- Transparency: Critics say there is not enough information about costs, oversight, and how detainees’ rights will be protected.
Civil rights groups are expected to challenge the facility’s conditions and location in court, which could delay or change how the site operates.
Legal and Due Process Protections
Attorney General Uthmeier has promised that all detainees will receive due process as required by law. This means that before anyone is deported, they must go through legal procedures, including a hearing before an immigration judge. Detainees have the right to legal representation, although the government does not provide free lawyers in immigration cases.
For more information on the rights of detainees and the immigration court process, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
The Role of the National Guard and Law Enforcement
The National Guard will play a key role in running “Alligator Alcatraz.” Their duties include:
- Maintaining security at the facility
- Assisting with daily operations
- Supporting law enforcement during mass detention and deportation efforts
State and local law enforcement officers, now working under the 287(g) program, will have the authority to arrest, detain, and process undocumented migrants for federal immigration violations. This partnership is designed to increase the number of officers available for immigration enforcement and speed up the deportation process.
Background: The Dade-Collier Site and Florida’s Immigration Policies
The Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport was originally planned to be the world’s largest airport, but it has been mostly unused for decades. In recent years, it has served as a law enforcement training facility.
Florida has a long history of working closely with federal agencies on immigration enforcement. The state has previously partnered with ICE and used state resources to support federal deportation efforts. In 2025, new laws were passed to strengthen these partnerships, create new enforcement bodies, and expand detention capacity.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Immigrants and Their Families:
The opening of “Alligator Alcatraz” means that undocumented migrants in Florida face a higher risk of detention and deportation. The remote location and large capacity could make it harder for families to visit or support loved ones who are detained.
For Employers:
Businesses that rely on undocumented workers may see more workplace raids and arrests, as state and local law enforcement step up immigration enforcement.
For Local Governments:
Miami-Dade County, which owns the Dade-Collier site, must decide whether to accept the state’s $20 million offer. Local governments may also face pressure to cooperate with state and federal immigration efforts.
For Civil Rights Groups:
Advocates are preparing legal challenges to the facility’s location, conditions, and the use of temporary structures for long-term detention. They are also calling for more transparency and oversight.
For State and Federal Agencies:
The project is a test of how well state and federal agencies can work together on immigration enforcement. Success could lead to more facilities like “Alligator Alcatraz” in other states.
What Happens Next?
- Facility Expansion: If the need for more beds continues, Florida may build additional detention sites with federal funding.
- Legal Challenges: Lawsuits from civil rights groups could delay or change how the facility operates.
- Political Changes: The results of the 2026 elections could affect the future of “Alligator Alcatraz” and similar projects.
- Oversight and Transparency: Advocates and lawmakers will likely push for more information about costs, conditions, and detainee rights.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you have questions about immigration detention in Florida or need help with a specific case, you can contact:
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: floridadisaster.org
- Office of the Attorney General, State of Florida: myfloridalegal.com
- Miami-Dade County Government: miamidade.gov
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ice.gov
For more details on the 287(g) program and how it affects local law enforcement, visit the ICE 287(g) Program page.
Conclusion: What “Alligator Alcatraz” Means for Florida and Beyond
The opening of “Alligator Alcatraz” marks a turning point in Florida’s approach to immigration detention. With federal approval, state funding, and a unique location in the Everglades, the facility is designed to handle large numbers of detainees and speed up deportations. Supporters say it’s a secure, efficient response to a growing problem. Critics warn about human rights, legal access, and the risks of using temporary structures in a harsh environment.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the future of “Alligator Alcatraz” will depend on legal challenges, political changes, and how well state and federal agencies can work together. For now, the facility stands as a symbol of Florida’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement—and a sign of the ongoing debate over how the United States 🇺🇸 should handle immigration detention.
If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, reach out to official resources for guidance and support. Stay informed, know your rights, and watch for updates as this story develops.
Learn Today
Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport → Remote Florida airfield in the Everglades chosen for a large immigration detention facility.
287(g) Program → Federal agreement enabling state and local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties.
Due Process → Legal protection requiring detainees to receive a hearing before deportation.
National Guard → Military reserve force supporting security and operations at the detention facility.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency responsible for immigration detention and deportation enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” opens July 2025, a huge immigrant detention site in Everglades with 5,000 beds, natural security, and rapid deportation goals. State-federal cooperation drives its creation, but concerns about detainee rights and conditions spark debate and legal challenges across communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
