Florida officials have proposed housing illegal immigrants in “Alligator Alcatraz,” a detention center surrounded by dangerous wildlife that would naturally deter escape attempts and save taxpayer money on security infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has offered a 39-square-mile abandoned airport facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” to hold up to 1,000 illegal immigrants
- The proposed detention center could be operational within 30-60 days and leverages natural barriers like alligators and pythons to reduce security costs
- ICE detention centers are currently over capacity by approximately 11,500 detainees, pushing the agency $1 billion over its annual budget
- The proposal aligns with President Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities and Florida’s leadership in partnering with federal immigration authorities
- If implemented, the facility would serve as a cornerstone of the administration’s deportation efforts while minimizing taxpayer costs
Natural Security: Wildlife as Border Guards
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s proposal for “Alligator Alcatraz” represents a creative approach to immigration enforcement that utilizes Florida’s natural resources. The facility would be located at the largely unused Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility, spanning 39 square miles in the Everglades, home to over 200,000 alligators. The natural wildlife presents a formidable deterrent against escape attempts, eliminating the need for expensive perimeter security infrastructure typically required at detention facilities.
“It presents an efficient, low-cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter. People get out; there’s not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
WOW. FL Attorney General James Uthmeier outlines plans to build a temporary ICE detention facility for criminal illegals in the Florida Everglades named "Alligator Alcatraz" which is surrounded by alligators and pythons. 🔥pic.twitter.com/rCOIrRWd8n
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 19, 2025
Addressing the ICE Detention Crisis
The proposal comes at a critical time when ICE detention facilities nationwide are severely overcrowded. Current facilities hold approximately 53,000 illegal migrants, significantly exceeding the Congressional funding allocation for 41,500 detention beds. This overcrowding has pushed ICE $1 billion over its $3.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Uthmeier’s proposal offers a timely solution that could provide relief to the overburdened system while supporting President Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities.
“Florida’s been leading on immigration enforcement, supporting the Trump administration and ICE’s efforts to detain and deport criminal aliens,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
The Department of Homeland Security has expressed support for the proposal, particularly highlighting Florida’s leadership in immigration enforcement cooperation. The state leads the nation in law enforcement agencies working with ICE through the 287(g) Program, with 43% of such agreements occurring in Florida. This established partnership framework provides a solid foundation for implementing the new detention facility quickly and effectively.
Rapid Implementation Timeline
One of the most compelling aspects of the “Alligator Alcatraz” proposal is its quick implementation timeline. According to Uthmeier, the facility could be operational within 30 to 60 days, providing immediate relief to the overcrowded immigration detention system. The “virtually abandoned airport facility” already has basic infrastructure in place that could be quickly adapted to house up to 1,000 illegal immigrants awaiting deportation proceedings.
“Alligator Alcatraz: the one-stop shop to carry out President Trump’s mass deportation agenda,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
The White House has recently increased ICE’s daily arrest quota from 1,800 to 3,000, further emphasizing the need for additional detention capacity. If the “Big Beautiful Bill” passes Congress, ICE will receive a substantial $45 billion boost to expand detention capacity nationwide. However, the Florida proposal offers an immediate solution that doesn’t depend on this additional funding, leveraging existing resources and natural features to provide a cost-effective detention solution during this critical period of immigration enforcement.
A Model for Future Detention Solutions
The “Alligator Alcatraz” concept could potentially serve as a model for future detention facilities in other states with similar natural features. By utilizing existing structures and natural barriers, the government can significantly reduce the costs associated with building and maintaining secure detention facilities. This approach aligns perfectly with President Trump’s commitment to efficient government spending while effectively enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.
“This presents a great opportunity for the state of Florida to work with Miami-Dade and Collier counties. Alligator Alcatraz—we’re ready to go,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
While the Department of Homeland Security and Uthmeier appear aligned on the proposal, final approval is still pending. However, given the urgent need for additional detention capacity and the cost-effective nature of the proposal, “Alligator Alcatraz” represents a pragmatic solution that supports both fiscal responsibility and strong immigration enforcement. As America continues to address the consequences of years of open borders policies, innovative approaches like this will be essential to restoring order to our immigration system.
