MIAMI, FL – President Donald Trump today visited a newly established migrant detention center in the Everglades, known informally as “Alligator Alcatraz.” This facility, designed to house 3,000 migrants awaiting deportation, is set to begin operations tomorrow.
The center was constructed in just over a week, a feat that impressed the president during his tour. With air-conditioned holding cells and easy access to an airstrip, the facility aims to expedite the deportation process once judicial clearance is obtained. National Guard members may serve as immigration judges to hasten proceedings.
Dubbed for its remote location, the facility features air-conditioned tents for the migrants and will be staffed by 1,000 personnel, including security and surveillance teams. Essential services such as food, water, and legal aid will be provided on-site.
The governor stressed the importance of the center in addressing the needs of over 50,000 individuals in Florida with final deportation orders. Another similar site is expected to open soon in Northeast Florida.
However, the project has faced criticism from various quarters. Some have labeled it an “internment camp,” citing concerns about its environmental impact and resilience to hurricanes. Environmentalists have initiated legal action, fearing damage to the sensitive Everglades ecosystem.
Despite these concerns, the president endorsed the governor’s strategy, praising the site’s potential for expansion without harming the environment. The administration is focused on streamlining the deportation process, though exact timelines remain uncertain.
As the center prepares to receive its first group of migrants, it stands at the center of a broader debate on immigration policies, highlighting tensions between enforcement and humanitarian concerns.