Concerns Over “Alligator Alcatraz” and Its Impact on Florida’s Wildlife

The director of the Florida Center for Biodiversity expressed significant concern on Tuesday regarding the effects of the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility on local wildlife, suggesting that the facility’s potential impact on illegal immigration and the involvement of immigration officials is also worrisome.

A legal challenge from an environmental group aims to prevent the opening of detention facilities that are set to be used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday. This announcement came shortly before a visit to the center located at an abandoned airport in the Everglades. CNN host Wolf Blitzer engaged Elaine Bennett in a discussion about whether detainees would face risks at the new facility.

Bennett remarked, “I think storms are a real concern, but when it comes to wildlife, I’m more worried about wildlife than people on the site.” She recounted a personal experience of walking near the marshland, stating she encountered no issues despite potential crocodile presence.

“I think it undermines an important message, which means it doesn’t belong here,” she continued. “Floridians don’t want that here, and it’s a significant risk to our ecological resources.”

The Trump administration had authorized the construction of this facility to handle illegal immigrants for deportation as of June 24, following a proposal from Florida’s Republican Attorney General James Usmieire. Trump visited the site alongside Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem and Republican Governor Ron DeSantis for a tour.

In response to illegal immigration and border security issues, Trump has issued several executive orders. These include designating Mexican drug cartels, among others, as foreign terrorist organizations, which took effect on January 20. Additionally, a historical law from 1798 has been invoked to expedite the deportation of certain gang members.