A new immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is drawing national attention and backlash.
Built in just eight days at the remote Dade-Collier airstrip, the site can house up to 3,000 migrants, with plans to expand to 5,000.
The facility is surrounded by swampland and wildlife, and is intended to deter escape and illegal immigration.
The $450 million-a-year project was constructed under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ emergency powers. State officials say Florida will seek reimbursement through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.
President Donald Trump toured the site Tuesday, calling it a model for other states as he seeks to expand national detention capacity from 41,000 to 100,000 beds.
Immigrant rights groups call the site inhumane and dangerous, especially during Florida’s hurricane season. Environmentalists and members of the Muscogee Tribe also oppose the facility, citing damage to sacred land and wetlands.
Florida is planning to build a second facility with 2,000 beds near Jacksonville.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
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