MIAMI, FL – In a remote corner of the Everglades, a new migrant detention facility, affectionately named “Alligator Alcatraz,” welcomed President Donald Trump today. Set to begin operations tomorrow, this center will temporarily house 3,000 migrants awaiting deportation.
Built in a swift eight days, the facility drew praise from the president, who lauded its readiness and efficiency. Equipped with air-conditioned cells and a nearby airstrip, the center aims to streamline deportations, potentially with assistance from National Guard members acting as judges.
The center’s nickname stems from its secluded location. It features temporary housing and will be staffed by 1,000 employees, including security and surveillance teams. Basic needs such as food and water will be transported to the site, while legal and spiritual services will also be available.
State officials argue that this facility is crucial for managing the large number of individuals in Florida with deportation orders. Another similar installation is anticipated to open in the state’s northeast.
However, the project has sparked significant opposition. Critics, including a Democratic congresswoman, have voiced concerns about its environmental impact and safety during hurricanes. Legal challenges have been filed by environmental groups, worried about the potential harm to the Everglades.
Despite these challenges, the president supported the initiative, noting the facility’s capacity for growth without additional environmental impact. The administration remains focused on accelerating the deportation process, although the timeline remains unspecified.
As the facility prepares to welcome its first occupants, it has become a focal point in the national conversation on immigration, underscoring the complexities and controversies of policy enforcement.