In a recent aerial view, the immigration detention center, informally called “Alligator Alcatraz,” is set to be established on the Dade Carrier Training and Transition Airport site in O’Coupe, Florida, on July 4, 2025.
In Washington, more than 60 Democratic lawmakers urged immigration officials on Wednesday for insights regarding the rapidly developing facility in the Florida Everglades. This initiative is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand immigration detention centers across the nation through state partnerships.
“Disregarding the objections from human rights organizations, environmental advocates, and tribal authorities, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has given the green light for what many see as a sprawling detention center that could violate the human rights of detainees and harm both public and environmental health, possibly breaching federal laws,” the letter, signed by 65 Democrats in Congress, stated.
This correspondence follows an announcement made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday regarding a joint venture with Nebraska to open a 300-bed federal immigration detention center, also branded as “Alligator Alcatraz,” which locals nicknamed “Cornhusker Clink.”
Another facility, located in Bunker Hill, Indiana, known as the “Speedway Slammer,” is designed to house 1,000 immigrants.
Democrats engaged with various officials, including DHS’s Executive Director Christie Noem and ICE Director Todd Lyons, although the DHS has not yet responded to inquiries about the Democrats’ letter.
Legal Challenges in Florida
While cooperation with state officials for immigration enforcement is deemed crucial, it has ignited strong opposition, particularly as the Trump administration pushes for a broad deportation strategy.
The Everglades facility, expected to detain up to 5,000 immigrants, is already facing federal court challenges from immigration advocates who claim that detainees’ access to legal counsel is being hindered. Additionally, environmental organizations and the Miccosukee tribe have filed a separate lawsuit seeking to halt the construction, citing violations of federal environmental regulations.
“Experts are concerned that this new model of state-managed immigration detention might enable Florida to form an ‘independent, unexplainable detention system’ that could operate alongside the federal framework,” the letter indicated.
Potential for Broader Implications
Democrats also worry that the facility could set a precedent for other states. “This plan not only raises human rights and due process issues, but it also presents significant environmental risks,” they noted in the letter.
The lawmakers are requesting clarity on Florida’s legal authority to create and run immigration detention centers, as well as information on the agreement between the state and DHS regarding facility operations. They are particularly interested in assurances about the provision of clean water, food, temperature regulation, and adequate medical care for detainees.
“Human rights experts have decried this plan as harsh and inhumane,” the letter explained, highlighting that construction is progressing rapidly. It’s still unclear if there are adequate provisions for medical infrastructure, evacuation during hurricanes, access to legal representation, sewage, potable water, and temperature control.
Democrats are also asking for inspection reports, environmental assessments, and contracts with private entities managing the facility. A response to the letter is expected by September 3rd.
The Democratic senators who co-signed the letter include Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden of Oregon, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and several others. Among the representatives who signed are Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among a long list of others from various states.
