Florida Lawmakers Denied Entry to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Amid Concerns Over Flooding, Heat, and Human Rights
Florida lawmakers were turned away from the controversial new migrant detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” on Thursday, just hours after the first group of detainees was transferred there. Their visit was prompted by growing concerns over extreme heat, flooding, and potential human rights violations at the remote site in the Florida Everglades.
According to Eskamani, they were blocked by law enforcement officers from multiple state agencies. A legal representative from the Florida Division of Emergency Management later cited “safety concerns” as the reason for denying entry, but gave no specifics.
Eskamani questioned the rationale, asking, “If it’s unsafe for us, how is it safe for the detainees?” Even their request to view the perimeter of the tent-based facility was denied.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers invoked Florida law, which allows state legislators to inspect any state-operated facility. They cited two statutes—one permitting lawmakers to visit all state correctional institutions “at their pleasure,” and another authorizing them to enter county and municipal detention centers.
Pattern of Conflict at Detention Centers
This incident adds to a recent string of confrontations between lawmakers and immigration authorities. Just last month, Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was indicted for allegedly obstructing immigration officials outside a Newark, New Jersey, detention facility. Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka, was arrested during the same event for attempting to accompany lawmakers inside.
The site, located on a remote airstrip in the Everglades, has already drawn criticism for structural and environmental issues, including flooding and lack of infrastructure.
Video footage from CNN affiliate Spectrum News 13 showed wires submerged in standing water, while heavy winds caused tent walls to tremble. CNN Weather estimated that up to 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than two hours during Tuesday’s storms—just after former President Donald Trump toured the facility.
She characterized the water intrusion as “minimal.” However, forecasts indicate that daily rain and storm activity are expected to continue amid Florida’s hurricane season.
Facility Capacity and Oversight
It remains unclear how many detainees are currently being housed at the site, but Florida officials say it has a capacity of 3,000, with room to expand. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, confirmed the figures during a roundtable discussion held Tuesday alongside Trump.
DHS Distances Itself
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally distanced itself from “Alligator Alcatraz” in a federal court filing submitted Wednesday.
“DHS has not implemented, authorized, directed, or funded Florida’s temporary detention center,” the document reads.
The filing is part of an ongoing federal lawsuit brought by two environmental groups aiming to shut down the use of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport as a migrant detention center. The plaintiffs argue that placing the facility
DHS emphasized that Florida is solely responsible for managing and operating the facility. According to the court filing, Florida is authorized to detain undocumented migrants under the federal 287(g) program, which enables state and local officers to perform certain immigration duties under ICE supervision.
Nevertheless, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said the federal government would still be able to “expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida.”
While DHS has not yet provided financial assistance, a FEMA official’s declaration indicated that a $600 million detention support grant program has been proposed. Once finalized, the Florida Division of Emergency Management can apply for reimbursement.
Military Support and Security Claims
In a separate announcement Thursday, U.S. Northern Command revealed that around 200 Marines would be deployed to Florida to support ICE operations. Their mission, however, will be limited to non-law enforcement tasks. The military did not specify whether they would be assigned to “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the facility, calling it a necessary tool to ease the burden on the state’s law enforcement and jail systems. The site, which cost an estimated $450 million for one year of operation, will be paid for upfront by the state, which plans to later seek reimbursement from FEMA and DHS.
State officials say evacuation plans are in development in case of severe weather, though no timeline for completion was provided.
Ongoing Scrutiny
Human rights advocates and environmentalists continue to scrutinize the facility’s location, construction, and purpose. Detractors argue that the site reflects more of a political stunt than a well-thought-out immigration solution.
Eskamani and her fellow lawmakers say the refusal to let them inspect the facility firsthand only deepens suspicion.
“We have the legal right and moral duty to investigate what’s happening in our state,” Eskamani said. “If the state is confident the facility is humane and secure, why keep elected officials—and the public—in the dark?”