Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed plans Monday for a large-scale immigration detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the remote swamps of the Florida Everglades.
The federal government has approved the project, and the site—an abandoned airstrip known as the Miami-Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport—could open by early July. The 30-square-mile location is surrounded by treacherous terrain, which Uthmeier says negates the need for physical fencing.
The facility is expected to house up to 1,000 undocumented immigrants initially, with future expansion targeting 5,000 beds across multiple sites. Temporary structures like tents and trailers will be used until permanent infrastructure is in place.
“This project supports President Trump and Secretary Noem’s mission to fix our illegal immigration problem once and for all,” Uthmeier posted on X (formerly Twitter).
However, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava raised concerns about environmental impacts and land valuation. Her office questioned the $20 million land offer, pointing out that a recent appraisal valued the property at over $190 million. She also emphasized the need for a detailed environmental impact report, particularly regarding the Everglades, which provides the region’s drinking water.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed its cooperation and described the project as part of a broader, cost-effective strategy to expand detention capacity for deportation efforts.
