Alligator Alcatraz: Inside the Everglades Detention Center

Ever since its announcement in June 2025, Alligator Alcatraz has captured headlines as the Everglades’ latest—and most controversial—immigration detention center. Dubbed a “one-stop shop” for expedited processing and deportation, the facility is designed to leverage Florida’s famous wetlands and wildlife as natural security measures. In this article, we’ll dive into what Alligator Alcatraz is, how it operates, the debates it’s sparked, and what comes next. Stay informed about this evolving story!

What Is Alligator Alcatraz?

Location and Capacity

Alligator Alcatraz is located at the abandoned Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, deep within the Florida Everglades, about 50 miles west of Miami. The compound spans roughly 39 square miles and, upon completion, will hold up to 5,000 immigration detainees in temporary structures such as tents and prefabricated units.

Origin of the Nickname

The name “Alligator Alcatraz” nods both to the facility’s remote setting—surrounded by gator- and python-infested wetlands—and to the infamous maximum-security prison in San Francisco Bay. As Attorney General James Uthmeier shared on X, “Alligator Alcatraz: the one-stop shop to carry out President Trump’s mass deportation agenda.”

How It Works

Emergency Powers and Rapid Build

Governor Ron DeSantis invoked a 2023 state of emergency to fast-track the facility’s construction, bypassing typical procurement and environmental reviews. National Guard engineers began site work on June 21, and by July 1, the first phase was operational—just eight days after the plan went public.

Processing and Deportation

Inside Alligator Alcatraz, detainees undergo initial screening, “in-situ” hearings with on-site judges, and expedited deportation proceedings—often within 48 hours of arrival. Officials claim this approach relieves pressure on overcrowded federal jails and speeds up due process. Deal with immigration policy changes head-on—dive deeper into our coverage!

Controversies and Criticisms

Environmental Concerns

Critics warn the facility threatens endangered species habitat and disrupts the Everglades’ delicate ecosystem. A coalition led by Friends of the Everglades and the Miccosukee Tribe filed suit on June 27, demanding a full environmental review before the center expands further.

Human Rights and Legal Challenges

Human rights advocates argue the site’s harsh setting and rapid-fire deportations undermine due process and humane treatment standards. Lawsuits question the legality of using emergency powers to bypass public-comment periods under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Public Response and Next Steps

Pro- and anti-facility protests have erupted across Florida. On one side, supporters praise the innovative use of natural barriers; on the other, opponents decry the center as inhumane and environmentally reckless. President Trump’s July 1 tour—with Gov. DeSantis and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem—underscored the administration’s commitment to similar projects nationwide.

As the facility enters full operation later this summer, all eyes will be on pending court rulings and potential federal intervention.