On June 24, 2023, Florida initiated the construction of a temporary migrant detention facility referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz." This peculiar name stems from its location deep within the Everglades, a vast subtropical wetland known for its diverse wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and pythons. Local NBC affiliates have broadcast footage showcasing the early stages of construction, which will involve large tents for housing migrants and trailers designated for staff accommodation.
The facility will be characterized by minimal security measures, a decision influenced by the natural defenses provided by the surrounding harsh marshlands, as stated by a Florida official last week. This design choice raises questions about the safety and security of both the migrants and the staff working at the site.
The construction of this facility aligns with the ongoing efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, to intensify the detention and deportation of migrants. Trump has emphasized the necessity of these actions, particularly as he cites the surge of millions crossing the border illegally under the Biden administration. Notably, the number of individuals in federal immigration detention has surged from 39,000 at the onset of Trump's presidency to 56,000 by June 15, 2023, as per U.S. government statistics.
The Florida migrant detention facility is projected to cost approximately $450 million annually and has the potential to accommodate up to 5,000 migrants, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently announced via social media that the facility could initially house around 1,000 people within a timeframe of 30 to 60 days.
According to agency budget documents, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency typically pays about $165 per day for each detention bed. If the Florida facility reaches its full capacity of 5,000 occupants, the daily cost per person would rise to $247. The DHS has indicated that funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) shelter and services program will be allocated to cover a substantial portion of the facility's expenses. This funding, generally reserved for major disasters, was previously utilized by the Biden administration to reimburse cities like New York for accommodating newly arrived migrants.
This article was reported by Ted Hesson in Washington, D.C. Hesson specializes in immigration reporting, focusing on the intricate policy and political dynamics surrounding immigration, asylum, and border security. Prior to his tenure at Reuters, he contributed to POLITICO and has had his work featured in various prominent publications, including POLITICO Magazine, The Atlantic, and VICE News. Ted holds a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College.
