Trump Opens Controversial Alligator Alcatraz in Florida's Everglades

Ochopee, Florida, USA - In a bold and controversial move, the state of Florida has inaugurated an immigrant detention center aptly named „Alligator Alcatraz,“ a moniker that cleverly fuses the region’s notorious reptilian inhabitants with the infamous Alcatraz prison. Announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier and heavily promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis, this facility opened its gates on July 1, 2025, shortly before receiving its first group of detainees on July 3.

Located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, the site is strategically placed in the heart of the Everglades, surrounded by alligator and python-infested waters. As Governor DeSantis pointed out, this facility aims to alleviate pressure on law enforcement, in line with a declared “state of emergency” concerning immigration issues. Furthermore, it has been designed to house up to 5,000 detainees, with the first phase accommodating 3,000 newcomers.

Facility Features and Criticism

With dormitories secured by chain-link fences and barbed wire, „Alligator Alcatraz“ reflects a robust operational approach. The estimated yearly cost of running this center sits comfortably at $450 million, with Florida covering initial costs and FEMA expected to reimburse expenses. Detainees will have access to essential services like medical care, air conditioning, and legal support, along with designated recreational areas.

However, not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat. Local environmental groups have rallied against the center, filing a lawsuit aimed at stopping its establishment. Critics include members of the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, who argue that the facility poses risks to endangered species and violates environmental laws. Some have even drawn comparisons between „Alligator Alcatraz“ and historical concentration camps, dubbing it „Alligator Auschwitz.” This rhetoric underscores growing concerns about the impacts on native lands and the broader environmental implications of such a facility.

The Film Connection

While the serious implications surrounding „Alligator Alcatraz“ unfold, it’s interesting to note that the name also evokes a sense of pop culture nostalgia, particularly within the realm of crocodile and alligator cinema. An article by AS.com lists some of the best crocodile-themed films, which might just serve as light-hearted distractions amidst the heavy news. Top of the list is „Alligator“ (1980), directed by Lewis Teague, where a crocodile grows alarmingly large in Chicago’s sewer system, terrorizing the city. Then there’s „Eaten Alive“ (1976), directed by Tobe Hooper, featuring a hotel owner who has a morbid way of serving his guests.

Other notable mentions include „Lake Placid“ (1999), a film about a giant reptile lurking in a remote lake, and „Rogue“ (2007), where a journalist faces off against a massive crocodile in Australia. Rounding off the list is „Dark Age“ (1987), which follows a ranger’s quest to capture a giant crocodile wreaking havoc in Australia. You can catch these films on various streaming platforms, offering a momentary escape from the alarming realities of „Alligator Alcatraz.“ For more details about these films, click here.

As the state moves forward with its immigration policies, where does the future lie for those detained in „Alligator Alcatraz“? Will the facility fulfill its intended purpose, or will it become a focal point of community and environmental strife? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight shines brightly on this ambitious undertaking by Governor DeSantis and the Florida administration.