Construction is rapidly advancing on a massive migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” despite fierce opposition from Native American communities. Located on an old airstrip at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the facility—authorized under emergency powers by the DeSantis administration—is expected to hold up to 5,000 detainees and cost $450 million annually to operate.
The center sits about 1 hour and 45 minutes west of Miami, surrounded by swampland and wildlife. But it’s also dangerously close to sacred sites belonging to the Miccosukee Tribe. Tribal member Betty Osceola, who lives just three miles away, expressed alarm. “This isn’t just alligators and pythons out here,” she said. “This is our homeland. Our family. Our medicine. Our water.”
Osceola criticized remarks made by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who downplayed the area as a wasteland. She also voiced concerns about increased traffic, pollution, and threats to the Everglades’ delicate ecosystem.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the project, claiming it would have “zero impact” on the Everglades and pointing out that the site has long been used for airport and training activities. “I’ve done more for Everglades restoration than any governor in history,” he said in a recent Fox News interview.
However, tribal leaders say they’ve been shut out of meaningful consultation. Osceola warned that the state’s approach could set a dangerous precedent for future developments on Native land.
Meanwhile, DeSantis also revealed plans for a second detention center at Camp Blanding, nearly 400 miles north. The “Alligator Alcatraz” facility could begin holding migrants as early as next week.
