NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Unannounced Visit Sparks Showdown
A group of Florida Democrat lawmakers was turned away from the state’s new high-security immigration facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Officials cited safety concerns and lack of coordination.
The visit took place Thursday, just one day after the first group of illegal immigrants arrived at the remote site near Ochopee, Florida.
The lawmakers — including state Senators Shevrin Jones and Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Representatives Anna Eskamani, Angie Nixon, and Michele Rayner — arrived without notice or prior arrangements.
Lawmakers Cry Foul Over Denial
Sen. Jones posted on social media that he had never experienced such a refusal in 13 years of legislative service. He argued that Florida law allows lawmakers to conduct surprise visits to inspect state-run facilities.
Rep. Rayner questioned the safety claims made by ICE. “If it’s unsafe for us, how is it safe for the people being held there?” she said in an interview with local press.
ICE Says Facility Not Under Their Jurisdiction
Officials explained that “Alligator Alcatraz” is not managed by the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, or county jail systems. Instead, it’s a federal-state joint project between Florida’s Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Homeland Security.
As a result, lawmakers’ oversight authority does not apply.
Inside ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
The facility, located deep in the Everglades, houses over 3,000 detainees and has a capacity of 5,000. It employs 1,000 staff and is surrounded by 20,000 feet of barbed wire.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed its operating budget is $450 million per year.
President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis visited the facility earlier this week to mark its opening. Trump praised the location, saying, “There’s no better place for this. The only way out is deportation.”
Democrats Call for Investigation
Rep. Smith labeled the facility a “detention camp” and raised concerns about potential contract corruption. “We want answers about who’s profiting from this,” he posted on social media.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded with sarcasm: “I hope they brought an airboat,” he joked, referring to the swampy terrain.
Lawsuits and Legal Battle Begin
Environmental groups have filed lawsuits to stop further construction. They claim the facility threatens the Everglades’ ecosystem. In response, the Department of Justice filed a motion Thursday to block any delays.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi defended the administration’s efforts: “We will protect this project from politically motivated lawsuits. Our immigration system must be secure and effective.”
Bigger Plans on the Horizon
The site is a key part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and his expanded immigration enforcement plan. Officials have already confirmed that a second facility — nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz 2.0” — is in the works at a military base elsewhere in Florida.
