NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has unveiled a controversial new proposal: constructing a remote immigration detention center deep in the Everglades, relying on the region’s natural dangers—like alligators and snakes—as part of its perimeter defense.
Dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the proposed facility would hold up to 1,000 detainees at a time and serve as a state-level response to what Uthmeier calls a “border crisis ignored by Washington.” The site would be adjacent to an existing airstrip to simplify transfers.
In a video posted to his official account, Uthmeier stated, “You won’t need to spend millions on fences. If they try to escape, they’ll run into pythons and gators. There’s nowhere to go.”
The AG claimed the facility could be operational within two months of approval. He emphasized the need for cooperation with Miami-Dade and Collier counties, which share Everglades borders.
“This is a practical, low-cost solution to a federal failure,” he said. “We’re ready to go.”
The proposal has already sparked strong reactions. Supporters frame it as tough-on-crime policy, while critics argue it dehumanizes migrants and risks international condemnation. Uthmeier, however, sees it as an extension of Florida’s hardline stance on illegal immigration under Governor Ron DeSantis.
Over the past two years, Florida has expanded penalties for human smuggling, required the use of E-Verify by employers, and sent state personnel to assist with enforcement in Texas and Arizona.
The “Alligator Alcatraz” idea also aligns with President Trump’s 2025 deportation agenda, according to Uthmeier. He referred to the proposed facility as a “one-stop shop” for large-scale removals.
The announcement comes amid a broader national conversation about the Laken Riley Act, a federal bill requiring the detention of undocumented individuals convicted of serious crimes. Although passed in the House, it has faced opposition from Democrats, some of whom argue it could violate due process rights.
While still in its proposal phase, “Alligator Alcatraz” has already ignited debate about the limits of state authority and the ethics of extreme deterrence strategies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jLFz1aqWuk
