A new immigration detention facility is rising fast in the middle of Florida’s vast Everglades—and it’s already sparking national attention. Nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the center is being built on an abandoned airfield once meant to become the world’s largest airport. According to 10 Tampa Bay reporter Miguel Octavio, the facility is set to begin operations as early as July, housing thousands of undocumented immigrants detained under federal and state orders.
Alligators as Security? Yes, Really
The site is surrounded on all sides by deep swamp, dangerous wildlife, and Florida’s most infamous residents: alligators and pythons. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier – who is spearheading the project – says that’s part of the point. “You don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter,” Uthmeier said, according to WPBF News. “People get out, there’s not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons.” The natural terrain, officials argue, adds a “home-field advantage” for security.
Trump Administration Greenlights the Plan
While Florida is taking the lead, this is a joint operation. According to NBC 6 South Florida, the federal government has already approved the plan, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirming that a FEMA-backed program will help fund construction. State officials say the cost of running the facility could reach $450 million per year.
An Old Airport, a New Purpose
The site, officially known as the Miami-Dade–Collier Training and Transition Airport, has a long and controversial history. Built in the 1970s, it was once slated to become a massive international airport until environmentalists, including Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, stopped it in its tracks. That abandoned dream is now being repurposed for immigration enforcement. NBC 6’s Steve Litz captured footage showing trailers, tents, and portable restrooms already on-site.
A Capacity for Thousands
Uthmeier revealed that the facility will eventually include up to 5,000 beds, with 1,000 ready by the first phase of completion. This will support the broader immigration enforcement mission tied to President Trump’s mass deportation efforts, especially under recent executive actions prioritizing faster removals. As 10 Tampa Bay reported, state officials were given emergency authority to move swiftly, and they’ve wasted no time doing so.
Environmentalists Say This is a Disaster
Not everyone is cheering. Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said this development “feels different” from other environmental threats. “It was a bad idea then. It remains a bad idea today,” she told 10 Tampa Bay. Her group fears that building a detention center in sensitive wetlands will pave the way for more irreversible development. Water and air quality were among the key concerns voiced by protesters outside the site last weekend.
Miami-Dade Pushes Back on Property Control
Although the state claims emergency powers to seize and build on the land, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava says there are unresolved questions. According to NBC 6, she raised flags about the site’s property value, its use as an active landing site for commercial pilot training, and the legal responsibilities tied to FAA oversight. The state has offered $20 million to buy the property, but the county says it’s worth much more.
Critics Say It’s Isolated and Inhumane
Beyond environmental and property issues, immigration advocates have sounded alarms about the remote location and its impact on detainees. Juan Cuba, an immigration advocate interviewed by NBC 6, questioned how detainees will access legal representation or family visits when held deep in the Everglades. “It’s far from where family can get to, where lawyers can get to, and conditions that are probably unsafe,” Cuba said.
Gutfeld Panel: “Only in Florida”
Meanwhile, over on Fox News’ Gutfeld!, panelists took a more humorous and biting tone about the project. Host Tyrus called the facility “Alligator Alcatraz for illegal aliens,” and joked that escapees would face a natural gauntlet of wildlife. Panelist Kat Timpf asked if surviving the Everglades should earn detainees citizenship. One guest compared the plan to “Shawshank Redemption meets Jurassic Park”, and suggested staffing the facility with “scary animals.” While sarcastic, their commentary underlines how surreal and uniquely Floridian this project appears to many.
Local Protests Are Heating Up
On the ground, tensions are rising. WPBF News reported that residents from Okeechobee and nearby Indian reservations gathered near the site to oppose the development, not because they oppose immigration enforcement, but because they’re worried about preserving the Everglades. One protester said, “This isn’t about politics. This is about the environment.” Many worry that once development is allowed here, there will be no stopping it.
A Temporary Fix… or the Start of Something Bigger?
State leaders are calling the facility “temporary,” with light infrastructure and modular construction. But many opponents say that’s just the beginning. Once built, they argue, the center could become permanent or be used for other enforcement purposes later. WPBF noted that once you “open the door for this,” more projects are likely to follow. As one protester put it, “We’re not going to have any [Everglades] left.”
A Real Florida Story
You almost couldn’t make this up. A detention facility, surrounded by gators and pythons, being fast-tracked on disputed swamp land with a decades-old environmental legacy – that’s about as Florida as it gets. But behind the spectacle is a very serious story. This isn’t just about border policy. It’s about land use, emergency powers, state vs. county jurisdiction, and what happens when government moves faster than the public can react.
The Real Question – Who’s This For?
Whether you support immigration enforcement or not, it’s fair to ask: is this the best way to do it? A remote detention center where access to legal resources is limited, where wildlife doubles as security, and where emergency orders override local governments – those are big red flags. The “Alligator Alcatraz” branding makes it easy to laugh. But the real story is about rights, responsibility, and whether this kind of facility sets a dangerous precedent.
Only in Florida
As July approaches, the opening of Alligator Alcatraz seems inevitable. Despite opposition from environmentalists, county officials, and immigrant advocates, Florida’s leadership appears determined to get it done. With federal backing and an aggressive timeline, this detention center in the swamp is no longer a proposal – it’s a reality. Whether it will be effective, humane, or sustainable remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure – it’s a story only Florida could tell.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.