In a controversial and tone-deaf ceremony on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), former U.S. President Donald Trump inaugurated the newly constructed migrant detention facility dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ deep within Florida’s Everglades — an area known for its alligators, snakes, and remote wilderness. The event has sparked immediate backlash from human rights advocates and political opponents alike.
According to Reuters, the facility is located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Miami in a vast subtropical wetland teeming with wildlife, including alligators, pythons, and crocodiles. Trump joked during his tour, stating that detainees would be taught how to escape if they fled — suggesting zigzag running patterns to avoid predators.
“You know, snakes are fast. But alligators… We’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator, okay? If they escape, how to run: Don’t run in a straight line,” Trump said, making a zigzag motion with his hands. He added sarcastically, “And you know what? Survival odds increase by 1%. Good luck!”
The White House defended the center as a symbol of firm immigration enforcement, emphasizing that it reflects the administration’s commitment to deporting individuals who entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas. The facility is part of a broader legislative push supported by the Republican-led Senate, which recently passed a bill allocating billions of dollars toward deportation efforts and border security enhancements.
The inauguration comes amid a sharp rise in the number of detained migrants, jumping from 39,000 under the previous administration to over 56,000 by mid-June. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data also shows an eightfold increase in arrests for immigration violations alone.
Critics have condemned the move, citing inhumane conditions, legal challenges, and ethical concerns. Lawyers representing detained migrants have questioned the legality of mass deportations and criticized the living conditions inside temporary detention facilities. Meanwhile, employers across industries have expressed concern about labor shortages should large-scale deportations proceed.
Adding to the controversy, U.S. officials released promotional content on social media showing alligators wearing ICE caps, while the Republican Party began selling merchandise featuring alligator-themed apparel and beer. Trump, who maintains a residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, has long made strict border policies a central theme of his political agenda, especially ahead of the 2024 elections where one in eight voters cited immigration as their top issue.
The ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ center marks a new chapter in the ongoing immigration debate, raising serious questions about policy, legality, and human rights.