Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" Immigration Facility Nears Opening Amidst Controversy

Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier has unveiled plans for a new immigration detention facility, controversially dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," situated deep within the Florida Everglades. Located approximately 45 miles west of downtown Miami, the site is an isolated 39-square-mile airfield, characterized by its remote location and natural hazards including mosquitos, pythons, and alligators. The facility, which features a 10,500-foot runway and is designed to hold over 1,000 beds, is expected to expand to accommodate around 5,000 immigration detainees by early July. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the project will be "in large part" funded by FEMA, with an estimated daily cost of $245 per bed, translating to an annual operational budget of $450 million. The initiative has already drawn significant criticism. Activists have voiced concerns regarding the potential environmental impact on the Everglades and issues related to indigenous land rights. Additionally, Democratic lawmakers have publicly condemned the plan, characterizing it as a "political stunt."