The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced that the controversial detention center Alligator Alcatraz will be largely funded by the Shelters and Services Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Noem said that Biden used FEMA as “a piggy bank to spend hundreds of millions of dollars of American taxpayers' money on housing undocumented immigrants, including the Roosevelt Hotel, which served as the operational base for the Tren de Aragua and housed the murderer of Laken Riley.”
He also criticized that previously "this program was used to house undocumented immigrant criminals," and that from now on it will be used "to detain them while they await deportation."
Although Noem did not mention figures, in recent days, the network CNN reported, citing a DHS official as a source, that the operation of Alligator Alcatraz is expected to cost 450 million dollars in just one year.
The same source revealed that “Florida will cover the costs of the installation,” and that requests for reimbursement will then be submitted through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.
In another social media post, Kristi Noem warned that Alligator Alcatraz could become "a model for detention centers across the country."
"It will provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the necessary beds and space to safely detain the most disadvantaged. Under Trump's leadership, this is exactly the type of solution that is achieved when we work together and put the American people FIRST," he stated.
Noem's statements position Alligator Alcatraz as a potential reference for future immigration facilities in the country.
The project is aligned with the policies of President Donald Trump, who has advocated for an approach of increased control and detention capacity.
A monumental and controversial installation
The detention center, known as Alligator Alcatraz, is located in the Everglades, Florida, on the site of an old airport.
It is designed to initially accommodate 1,000 people, with the possibility of expanding to 5,000. The natural environment of the location—an area of mangroves and swamps—has been described as a complement to the security of the facility.
During a visit to the site this Tuesday, President Donald Trump emphasized that the center will accommodate “some of the most threatening migrants.”
He also humorously referred to the natural surroundings by stating that they would have "many bodyguards and many police in the form of alligators," alluding to the local wildlife.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who accompanied Trump, stated that the goal is to "eliminate bureaucracy [...] in order to carry out the expulsion of these illegals."
FEMA: An agency for emergencies with new assignments
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a federal institution responsible for coordinating responses to natural disasters and emergencies that exceed the capacity of local and state governments. Its main functions include:
- Financial and logistical support for individuals affected by disasters.
- Assistance to state and local governments in planning, training, and recovery.
-Management of risk mitigation programs.
-Administration of the Disaster Assistance Fund and the National Flood Insurance Program.
The allocation of FEMA funds to projects such as Alligator Alcatraz is part of the Shelters and Services Program, which has generated various public opinions regarding the use of its resources.
Critiques and public reactions
The establishment of the center has sparked varied opinions. Some sectors have expressed concerns about its proximity to a national park and the presence of species such as alligators and pythons.
According to official data, more than 200,000 alligators inhabit the Everglades.
The Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, noted that if migrants escape, "there isn’t much waiting for them, apart from alligators and pythons,” referring to the natural surroundings of the area.
On his part, Trump also mentioned the possibility of escapes, advising that if they escape, they should run in a zigzag: “We're going to teach them how to escape from an alligator […] Your chances increase by about 1%.”
A transforming legal framework
During the presidential visit to Alligator Alcatraz, the U.S. Senate approved the so-called “Big and Beautiful Law,” which provides additional funding to expand the immigration detention system and expedite deportation processes.
The measure is part of a legislative package that provides for the creation of new facilities and greater operational capacity for the Department of Homeland Security.
According to official sources, the goal is to address the demand for spaces and reduce the burden on existing centers.
Alligator Alcatraz represents a new phase in the migratory infrastructure of the United States.
With institutional support and partially federal funding, it is positioned as a high-capacity detention center, designed to operate under new criteria for immigration control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center
How will the Alligator Alcatraz detention center be funded?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center will be largely funded by the Shelter and Services Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, Florida is expected to initially cover the costs and then seek reimbursements through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.
Why was the location of the Everglades chosen for Alligator Alcatraz?
The location in the Everglades was chosen for its natural isolation and the hostile environment that provides additional security. Alligators and other dangerous species in the area act as a natural barrier, which reduces the need for costly security perimeters.
What criticisms has the Alligator Alcatraz project received?
The project has faced significant criticism from human rights organizations and environmental groups. It is argued that the center represents a dehumanization of migrants and a threat to the ecosystem of the Everglades, home to endangered species like the Florida panther.
What capacity will the Alligator Alcatraz detention center have?
Alligator Alcatraz is designed to initially house 1,000 people, with the possibility of expanding to 5,000. The infrastructure allows for the detention, legal processing, and deportation of immigrants from within the facility itself.
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