Florida officials have announced the construction of a 1,000-bed ICE detention center in the Everglades, a region known as ‘Alligator Alley,’ to support the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policy aimed at apprehending 3,000 illegal immigrants daily. The facility, to be built on a 30-square-mile property that includes a largely abandoned airport, is being described by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier as a practical and cost-effective solution for temporary detention. This plan is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to expand detention capacity to meet its targets.
According to Uthmeier, the natural environment of the Everglades presents a significant barrier to escape, with the presence of alligators and pythons making it nearly impossible for detainees to flee. He emphasized that the facility’s location minimizes the need for extensive perimeter security, thereby reducing construction and operational costs. However, the project is expected to cost the state around $450 million annually to operate, with partial reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The facility is set to be constructed within a timeframe of 30 to 60 days, reflecting the administration’s urgency in addressing the immigration issue.
The Trump administration has reiterated its commitment to the deportation policy, with border czar Tom Homan stating that the current numbers are not yet sufficient to meet the administration’s goals. The plan to use the Everglades detention center is part of a larger strategy that includes exploring unconventional locations like the Guantánamo Bay prison in Cuba, where the administration seeks to establish 30,000 beds. The expansion of detention capacity is viewed as a critical component of the administration’s strategy to manage the influx of illegal immigrants, highlighting the intersection of national security and immigration policy in the ongoing debate over immigration reform.