A group of Florida Democratic lawmakers was denied access to a newly built immigrant detention center in the Everglades, often referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Despite citing their legal authority to inspect state-funded facilities, officials blocked the delegation from entering, citing vague “safety concerns.”
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried condemned the move, calling it an attack on transparency and accountability. “This is a taxpayer-funded facility run by the state. If it’s not safe for elected officials, how can it be safe for the people held inside?” she asked.
The lawmakers had planned to inspect the facility to assess conditions and ensure detainee rights were being upheld. In a joint statement, they asserted their legal and moral responsibility to oversee state operations and warned of potential human rights violations. Concerns have been raised about sanitation, heat exposure, and flood safety inside the rapidly constructed complex.
Meanwhile, the first detainees have already been transferred to the site. State officials announced the facility is part of a broader initiative to support mass deportations and enhance border enforcement measures. The center is expected to house thousands once fully operational.
The detention site, located on remote land at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, was completed in just eight days. Built across 10 miles of Everglades terrain, the compound includes over 200 surveillance cameras, nearly 30,000 feet of barbed wire, and more than 400 security personnel.
Supporters of the project argue the facility was designed for hurricane resilience and benefits from its isolation, as the surrounding wildlife serves as a natural deterrent to escape. Critics, however, say it’s a politically motivated project rushed into existence at the expense of the Everglades ecosystem, sacred Native American lands, and the basic human rights of detainees.
Despite being denied access, the lawmakers have vowed to continue pressing for transparency and may explore legal options to gain entry. Advocacy groups and local communities are also preparing to challenge the facility’s operation and its potential impact.
