Donald Trump opened a new immigration jail, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” on Thursday, in Ochopee, Florida. This facility happens to be located in the vast wetlands of the Everglades. It addresses the immediate need for additional beds and facilities to carry out Trump’s mass deportation efforts. The site today is home to the former Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. This decision has raised alarm bells among environmentalists and human rights activists.
The facility occupies 30 square miles. Yet it’s truly lost beneath the rare ecosystem, which is the Everglades. Trump’s been obsessed with Alcatraz, the legendary California max-security detention center since forever. As recently as earlier this year, he even mused about reopening it. The “Alligator Alcatraz” facility is one key piece of Governor DeSantis’ administration’s anti-immigration plan.
Florida State Attorney General James Uthmeier shared the news two weeks’ notice, of the new facility’s opening. In a recent video circulating on social media, he highlighted its intimidating presence. To put it simply, critics have raised valid concerns about the wisdom of building such a dangerous facility in this delicate ecosystem.
In response to allegations that the construction harmed the Everglades, Trump stated, “I don’t think you’ve done anything to the Everglades,” asserting that most of the construction occurred on existing airport land. The facility took advantage of easily moved structures situated atop the original airport pavement, as well as modular stacks of containers. Surprisingly, it only took them eight days to set up shop for this temporary detention center.
The complex was designed to withstand winds of 110 mph. That’s equivalent to the storm strength of a Category 2 hurricane. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised this aspect, stating, “As with all state correctional facilities, we have a hurricane plan.” He added that the facility is a shining example of a successful logistics rehearsal ahead of this hurricane season.
Despite these commitments, human rights advocates and environmental groups have raised significant concerns about the facility. They maintain that its historic name serves as a reminder of dangerous bias against people escaping adversity.
“The name ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ reflects an intent to treat people fleeing hardship and trying to build a better life for themselves and their families as dangerous criminals, which is both unnecessary and abusive.” – ACLU of Florida
Leading environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades, have opposed it. They focus on the fragile nature of the ecosystem around them.
“Surrounded by Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, this land is part of one of the most fragile ecosystems in the country.” – Friends of the Everglades
As they call for permanent protection of these lands, they lament the mistake of times past in similar circumstances.
“No airports. No rock mines. No prisons. Only Everglades. Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past. This land deserves lasting protection.” – Friends of the Everglades
Governor DeSantis waved away anti-pollution fears, assuring that there would be no leakage or seepage into the surrounding ecosystem.
“I don’t think those are valid and even good faith criticisms because it’s not going to impact the Everglades at all,” DeSantis stated.
Trump’s comments on the state during his trip revealed his longstanding desire to build new detention centers on the states’ rights dime. And he said he wished there were more facilities like this across the country.
“I think we’d like to see them in many states — really, many states,” Trump said.
He admitted that these facilities may become permanent holding centers for people while they await deportation.
“At some point, they might morph into a system where you’re gonna keep it for a long time.” – Donald Trump
The opening of “Alligator Alcatraz” marks a new chapter in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. Human rights and environmental conservation advocates alike are passionately standing up against this proposed facility. Officials continue to doggedly insist that it’s a crucial component for addressing immigration-related recalcitrance.
