On July 3, 2025, Florida’s new migrant detention center, dubbed ”Alligator Alcatraz,” received its first group of detainees, marking the official start of operations at the facility located in the Everglades near Ochopee. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrival, with the center designed to hold up to 3,000 individuals. The facility, constructed on the site of the former Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, was built in less than two weeks following its proposal by Uthmeier on June 19, 2025. The rapid construction involved state resources and companies linked to Republican donors, with the site featuring tents and basic infrastructure surrounded by swampland. President Donald Trump visited the facility on July 1, 2025, alongside Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, highlighting its role in the administration’s deportation efforts. The center’s capacity addresses the reported need for additional space, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had over 58,000 immigrants in custody as of late June 2025. Environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades, filed a lawsuit on June 28, 2025, to halt further construction, citing potential ecological impacts, though construction continued. The facility experienced minor flooding due to recent rains, prompting a visit from Democratic lawmakers on July 3, 2025, who were denied entry despite state laws allowing inspections. No federal funding has been secured yet, with Florida planning to seek reimbursement through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. The White House has promoted the facility on social media, and the Florida Republican Party has launched merchandise sales, including alligator-themed items, to support related efforts.
34news.online
34news.online
