The Trump administration announced the approval of a new facility designed to house ICE detainees in Florida, specifically within a 30-square-mile area of the Everglades known as the Miami-Dade/Collier Training Facility. Construction began on Monday, and state officials anticipate the facility will be operational by early July.
The facility, which is being referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz” by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, will accommodate up to 5,000 beds for individuals identified as criminal illegal immigrants. According to Uthmeier, the site presents a cost-effective solution for temporary detention as it requires minimal investment in security measures. The Florida National Guard will assist in managing the facility, which repurposes land owned by Miami-Dade County.
The projected operational cost of the facility is approximately $450 million annually, with potential reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The initiative aligns with the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement strategy, which aims to increase the rate of deportations. Uthmeier emphasized the urgency of expanding detention capacity to meet the administration's goals.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the administration is seeking innovative solutions to fulfill the mandate for mass deportations. There have also been discussions regarding utilizing Guantánamo Bay for additional detainee accommodations. The administration's goal includes arresting approximately 3,000 illegal immigrants daily, as reiterated by border czar Tom Homan.
This facility marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address immigration enforcement challenges and expand the capacity for detaining undocumented individuals in the United States.