The state of Florida announced its intention to pay 20 million dollars to Miami-Dade and Collier counties for the purchase of an old airport in the heart of the Everglades, as part of its plan to create an immigrant detention center in a remote area.
The initiative, described by its proponents as a model of prison efficiency, was dubbed by the state attorney general, James Uthmeier, as the "Alcatraz of the Alligators", in reference to the wildlife surrounding the location.
The director of the Emergency Management Division, Kevin Guthrie, sent a letter of intent to the mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine Cava.
The letter details that the state would pay for the land and the easements of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, which is currently unused, and which would be a "crucial asset" in air logistics operations, resource deployment, and emergency response.
The goal is to build a detention center with a capacity for 1,000 immigrants who have entered the country illegally. According to reports from Telemundo 51, the attorney general believes that the site could be operational 30 to 60 days after construction begins.
The project entails a multifunctional prison infrastructure where individuals would be arrested, legally processed, and deported all within the same facility, utilizing the 10,500-foot (3.20 kilometers) runway of the former airport.
The operation would be supported by the Florida National Guard, which would provide military lawyers to serve as immigration judges, in what is shaping up to be a streamlined process with state approval.
However, the mayor expressed her concern about the ecological and social implications of the plan. In a statement, she warned that the land transfer "requires a thorough review" as it is located in a critical area.
Levine Cava remembered that any decision must consider the potential impact on the Everglades, a protected and fragile ecosystem, and that an unthoughtful action can have "significant long-term consequences for our community."
"It is imperative to fully understand the scope and scale of the proposed use of the site and what is intended to be developed," he noted.
The location of the center—a 39-square-mile isolated, jungle-like area with restricted access—has been presented as a tactical advantage by the attorney general.
"There is nowhere to go. If someone tries to escape, they will encounter alligators and pythons," Uthmeier stated, emphasizing that it would not be necessary to build an expensive security perimeter.
The promotional video for the project, released by the conservative outlet Florida’s Voice, reinforces that idea: natural isolation as a containment mechanism.
The controversial proposal is not an isolated incident. It is a response to a legislative push led by Governor Ron DeSantis and supported by recently enacted state laws aimed at tightening immigration policy in Florida.
Uthmeier has described the initiative as a direct contribution to the national strategy of mass deportation announced by Donald Trump.
In that context, the "Alcatraz of the alligators" would serve as a key platform for executing rapid and centralized deportations, in line with the former president's promises to carry out "the largest deportation operation in the history of the United States."
For some conservative sectors, Florida is setting the pace with this type of action. However, for human rights advocacy organizations and community leaders, the proposal is a troubling example of the dehumanization and criminalization of the migrant population.
The use of the natural environment as a deterrent barrier and the punitive symbolism of the chosen name evoke dystopian scenarios that are closer to fiction than to any sensible public policy.
Meanwhile, Uthmeier has publicly urged counties to establish cooperation agreements with ICE and has pointed out reluctant officials, such as the Broward County Sheriff, Gregory Tony, who stated that his officers will not participate in ICE raids.
At the same time, immigration raids have intensified throughout the state.
The future of the so-called Alligator Alcatraz now depends on the approval of local governments and the federal permits required to develop infrastructure in an area of high environmental sensitivity. The controversy is brewing, and the debate is just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Alcatraz Alligator" Project in Florida
What is the "Alcatraz Alligator" project in Florida?
The "Alcatraz Alligator" project is a plan by the state of Florida to build an immigrant detention center in the Everglades. Named by Attorney General James Uthmeier, the center aims to house immigrants who have entered the country illegally, using the natural environment as a security barrier. This initiative is part of a broader immigration policy driven by Governor Ron DeSantis and aligned with the agenda of former President Donald Trump.
What are the environmental implications of the "Alcatraz Alligator"?
The mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine Cava, has expressed her concern about the ecological implications of the project. The detention center would be located in a critical area of the Everglades, a protected and fragile ecosystem. Any development in this area could have significant long-term consequences for the environment and the local community.
What role does the Florida National Guard play in this project?
The Florida National Guard will provide logistical and legal support to the "Alcatraz Alligator" detention center. Military lawyers will serve as immigration judges to expedite the legal processes of detention and deportation from within the facility, which is part of the state's approach to create a streamlined process for managing undocumented immigrants.
What criticisms has the "Alcatraz Alligator" project generated?
The project has been criticized by human rights organizations and community leaders, who believe it represents a dehumanization and criminalization of immigrants. The use of the natural environment as a mechanism of containment and the symbolism of the name evoke dystopian and punitive scenarios. Moreover, the project's approach has been viewed as part of a broader strategy of mass deportation aligned with Donald Trump's policies.
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