The President of the United States, Donald Trump, mocked on Tuesday the migrants who will be transferred to the detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz.
Before departing in the morning of July 1st to Florida for the inauguration of the new detention center, Trump made controversial statements to the press gathered in the gardens of the White House.
“We are going to teach you how to escape from an alligator. Don't run in a straight line, run like this...”, he declared while mimicking a zigzag gesture with his hand, alluding to the supposed most effective way to escape from these reptiles.
And he added with a half-smile: “Your chances [of escaping] increase by about 1%.”
The U.S. president has already arrived in Florida, where he was welcomed by the governor, Ron DeSantis.
In response to a reporter's question on whether prisons like Alligator Alcatraz will be the model to follow, he replied:
"That might be true. There aren't always such beautiful and safe lands. We have many bodyguards and many policemen in the shape of alligators... I wouldn't want to traverse the Everglades for too long."
On the other hand, the first images of the interior of the detention center have already emerged, depicted as large cages under tents.
A prison among alligators: The new anti-migration stronghold
The detention center, which authorities state will begin operating this Tuesday, has been set up in an old, abandoned runway west of Miami, right in the wetland territory that is part of the Everglades ecosystem.
The location is no coincidence: the alligators that inhabit the area not only inspire the nickname Alligator Alcatraz, but according to government officials, they will also serve as a natural deterrent against escapes.
Alongside Trump, the visit to the center will also include the participation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, thereby strengthening the alliance between the White House and the key southern state in tough immigration policies.
Alcatraz 2.0? The San Francisco prison will also be reopened
The nickname "Alligator Alcatraz" inevitably evokes the historic Alcatraz prison, located on the island of the same name off the coast of San Francisco, California.
Trump has ordered its upcoming reopening as part of a broader plan for stricter penalties.
With this reference, it seeks to project a symbolic image: high-security prisons as the definitive solution to "illegal" immigration.
The parallel with the ancient prison—known for its isolation, escape difficulty, and harshness—seems to fit into the narrative that the president wants to build in this new facility in the south of the country: total isolation, extreme conditions, and deterrence against escape.
The Department of Homeland Security itself fed into this narrative a few days ago.
On Saturday, he posted on X an image that went viral: several alligators wearing hats from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) playfully patrolling the vicinity of the new center.
The publication was withdrawn following criticism, but it reflects the showy tone that accompanies Trump’s immigration policy.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Alligator Alcatraz" and Trump's Immigration Policies
What is "Alligator Alcatraz" and why has it generated so much controversy?
"Alligator Alcatraz" is a new immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, promoted by the Trump administration and Governor Ron DeSantis. Its location in an area surrounded by alligators and wildlife has sparked criticism over inhumane conditions and the potential environmental impact on a protected ecosystem. Furthermore, it has become a symbol of Trump's hardline immigration policies, intensifying public debate and protests from human rights groups and environmentalists.
What is the purpose of "Alligator Alcatraz" according to the government of Florida?
The Florida government, led by Ron DeSantis, describes "Alligator Alcatraz" as a facility intended to house, process, and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. It is presented as an efficient and low-cost solution for carrying out mass deportations. According to the project's promoters, its location and natural surroundings serve as security barriers, minimizing escape attempts.
What are the main criticisms of the "Alligator Alcatraz" project?
The criticisms of the project focus on its environmental impact, inhumane detention conditions, and the lack of proper legal review. Human rights organizations and environmental groups have filed lawsuits against the project, arguing that it threatens the Everglades ecosystem and violates the fundamental rights of detained immigrants. The rapid construction and the lack of environmental impact studies have been additional points of contention.
What has been the response of the community and local leaders to "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The response has been mixed, with strong criticism from local leaders, civil rights organizations, and environmental communities. The Mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine Cava, has expressed significant concerns about the environmental and social impact of the center. Meanwhile, groups such as Friends of the Everglades have organized protests and filed lawsuits to halt the project, highlighting the risks to the ecosystem and the dehumanization of immigrants.
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