Florida Democrats Blocked From Inspecting New ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Site

Florida Democratic lawmakers were turned away on Thursday when they attempted an unannounced inspection of the state’s new immigrant detention facility, informally known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” in the Everglades. State senators Shevrin Jones and Carlos Guillermo Smith, joined by representatives Anna V. Eskamani, Angie Nixon and Michele Rayner, said officers stopped them at the highway checkpoint leading to the compound, despite a Florida statute that lets legislators enter state-run institutions without prior notice.

The lawmakers sought to review conditions for detainees and scrutinize contracting for the project, which Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration erected in just eight days. The Miami Herald reported the refusal may violate state law granting legislative oversight of such sites.

Built on the remote Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the complex opened this week with roughly 3,000 beds and plans to expand to about 5,000 by early July. Florida intends to house migrants arrested under the federal 287(g) program, which allows local police to detain people for possible deportation.

Human-rights advocates and environmental groups have sued to halt operations, warning of potential flooding, heat and ecological damage to the Everglades. In a recent court filing, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said no federal funds have been used for the center, underscoring that it is a state-run project.