Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has proposed a new immigration detention center deep within the Everglades, highlighting the alligator-infested swamp surrounding the site as a natural security feature. Nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” this 39-square-mile area is part of an offer presented to the Trump administration, as ICE detention centers struggle to accommodate increasing numbers of detainees.
Florida Attorney General Proposes New ICE Detention Center Surrounded by Alligators
byu/JeanJauresJr https://www.reddit.com/user/JeanJauresJr/ in PublicFreakout https://www.reddit.com/r/PublicFreakout/
The proposed site is a decommissioned airport enveloped by wetlands and dense foliage. According to Uthmeier, it could accommodate up to 1,000 detainees and be operational within 60 days. He emphasized the natural deterrents provided by the environment—including alligators and pythons—as a cost-effective security measure.
“You don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter,” Uthmeier stated in a promotional video. “Alligator Alcatraz, we’re ready to go.”
The online community has met the proposal with skepticism and criticism. On Reddit, one user lamented that while the government declines funding for hurricane preparedness, it has no issue building prisons in swampy areas. Another user mockingly dubbed the facility “Alligator Auschwitz,” and others derided the apparent priorities behind the plan. Comments ranged from describing the scenario as “letting the lunatics run the asylum” to calling it “Evil AND racist. Only the best for daddy Trump.”
Currently, ICE detains around 53,000 migrants, surpassing the number approved by Congress. The agency has already exceeded its budget by $1 billion this fiscal year alone. Florida officials argue that the Everglades location would reduce construction costs while swiftly expanding detention capacity. The site also features a 10,500-foot runway and other infrastructure, which Uthmeier claims make it ideal for rapid deployment.
Despite the logistical benefits touted by proponents, many observers view the proposal as unnecessary and tone-deaf. One Redditor likened it to something out of a theme park, while another criticized it as a scheme devised by individuals lacking empathy. Several comments expressed concerns over normalizing harsh detention environments, especially when migrants already face dangerous conditions in other facilities.
There is no official confirmation yet on whether the federal government will accept Florida’s offer. Meanwhile, the alligators remain a focal point in the sales pitch, lurking in the swamps as the debate around the facility continues.
