Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed ongoing discussions with five Republican-led states to establish new migrant detention centers modeled after Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” facility.
The talks follow what Noem called a “successful partnership” between the federal government and Florida in converting the Dade-Collier Training Facility in the Everglades into a high-security center for detaining and deporting criminal migrants.
“We’ve had several other states that are actually using Alligator Alcatraz as a model for how they can partner with us,” Noem said during remarks over the weekend, without naming the states involved.
The Florida facility — officially known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Center but dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” — has drawn criticism from progressive groups and mainstream media outlets. However, federal and state officials maintain the facility sets a new standard in migrant detention.
The complex includes 158,000 square feet of housing with 24/7 air conditioning, full-time medical services and pharmacy, recreation yards, legal and spiritual support access, and even an on-site laundry. It’s built with a reinforced aluminum frame rated for winds up to 110 mph, and includes backup power generators.
Kevin Guthrie, head of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, called it “a high-end Category 2 structure” and noted the facility includes a separate staff village capable of housing 1,000 personnel.
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that detained migrants are offered voluntary departure options upon arrival.
“They get the option to self-deport right at intake,” DeSantis said during a July 1 tour of the facility alongside President Donald Trump and other officials. “It’s much cheaper, and they can go home if they choose.”
State officials have also made clear the facility is intended for high-risk individuals. Fox News reviewed a list of detainees that includes violent offenders, such as an MS-13 gang member known as “Satan” and a Cuban national accused of slashing an elderly woman’s throat in Key Largo.
Despite political pushback, the Biden-to-Trump policy reversal is rapidly reshaping immigration enforcement infrastructure across red states — and “Alligator Alcatraz” may be just the beginning.
