“Alligator Alcatraz”: Florida Proposes Immigration Prison Surrounded by Alligators and Pythons

• Florida: Immigration prison in the Everglades
• Surrounded by alligators and pythons
• Proposal backed by DHS

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has proposed setting up an immigration detention center in the Everglades, using the region’s dangerous wildlife as a “natural wall” to prevent escapes.

The idea, backed by federal authorities, has been dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” and sparked controversy over its ethical implications.

Florida pushes immigration policy with controversial prison in the Everglades proposal surrounded by alligators and pythons

ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ. Under 287g authority, state and local law enforcement can now assist with immigration functions, including: arrests, transportation, and detention.

287g is a force multiplier in completing the President’s mission and making America safe again. https://t.co/qYvcrRek0L

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 19, 2025

Why It Matters

The proposal comes amid Florida’s increasingly hardline immigration policies, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis and aligned with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Using wild terrain as a physical deterrent could set a controversial precedent in how migrant detainees are treated.

Details

Uthmeier introduced the plan in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), walking through the proposed site.

The location is a former 101-square-kilometer training base in the Everglades.

According to the attorney general, the project would be low-cost and ready in just 30 to 60 days.

“It’s an efficient and low-cost opportunity to build a temporary detention center,” he explained.

“You don’t need to invest much in the perimeter. If people escape, there’s not much waiting for them except gators and pythons. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.”

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What’s Been Said About «Alligator Alcatraz»

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly supported the idea on its official account:

“ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ. Under the authority of the 287(g) program, state and local law enforcement can now assist with immigration tasks like arrests, transportation, and detention.”

Uthmeier noted that Florida leads the nation in active agreements under this program, holding 43%, ahead of Texas with 14%.

He added: “The governor tasked state leaders with identifying new sites for temporary detention. I think this is the best one. I call it ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’”

What Else We’re Seeing

The initiative has been praised by allies of President Trump.

Border czar Tom Homan applauded the proposal, stating:

“The current administration has achieved the safest border in the country’s history.”

He highlighted that only 95 illegal crossings were recorded along the southern border in the past 24 hours—reportedly the lowest number ever.

The Natural Context of Alligator Alcatraz: Alligators and Pythons

The Everglades is a remote ecosystem home to over 200,000 American alligators.

Though they typically avoid humans, attacks can occur near nesting sites or stagnant waters.

The region is also plagued by invasive Burmese pythons—snakes over five meters long that devour native wildlife including deer, birds, and even young alligators.

This mix of swamps, dense vegetation, and predators makes the Everglades one of the most inaccessible areas in the U.S.

To authorities, that’s an advantage—a “natural” security feature.

Florida: Between Ethics and Legality

Human rights organizations have warned that this measure could endanger the lives of detainees.

They argue that using wild animals as part of confinement may violate basic rights and open the door to negligence.

Key Fact

In recent weeks, migrants held at the Krome Detention Center in Miami formed a visible “SOS” with their bodies, protesting overcrowded conditions.

What’s Next

Miami-Dade County is set to vote on an agreement that would allow ICE to pay $50 to detain a migrant for 48 hours in a local jail.

The measure includes “reasonable” access to detainees and discretion over the information shared with other agencies.

Do you think it’s ethical to use wild animals as a security tool in detention centers for migrants?

SOURCE: EFE / Infobae