


More than five dozen Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday, demanding “critical” information on the Trump administration’s plan for the new Florida immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
DHS opened the facility in the middle of the Everglades last month, drawing criticism from Democrats who alleged inhumane conditions.
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“Brushing aside concerns from human rights watchdogs, environmentalist groups, and Tribal nations, [DHS] has greenlit the construction of this expansive detention facility that may violate detained individuals’ human rights, jeopardize public and environmental health, and violate federal law,” the 11-page letter states.
A total of 65 lawmakers from the Senate and House, led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), signed the letter.
“We ask that DHS promptly provide critical information for the American public to better understand this detention plan,” they wrote.
The deadline for DHS officials to respond to the inquiry is Sept. 3, exactly two months after the first group of detainees arrived at “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The facility opened in early July shortly after President Donald Trump toured the site with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). During the tour, Trump touted the facility’s remote location by joking that detainees who tried escaping would get chased and eaten by alligators living in the swampy ecosystem.
With an initial capacity of 3,000 beds, the state-run facility is expected to hold up to 5,000 beds once construction is complete.
Legal challenges were levied against the Trump administration over the prison’s accelerated construction and detained immigrants’ denial of access to counsel. These concerns about the “problematic and seemingly unlawful model” were raised in the Democratic-led letter.
The lawmakers questioned the role that Immigration and Customs Enforcement plays in the detention center, which is operated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The letter was addressed to Noem, DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, ICE acting Director Todd Lyons, and FEMA acting Administrator David Richardson.
“Alligator Alcatraz” marked the first state-federal partnership regarding the operation of a detention center for illegal immigrants. The South Florida project has since inspired successors.
ALLITERATIVE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTERS REFLECT TRUMP’S BRANDING
DHS announced the expansion of ICE detention space at the “Deportation Depot” in north Florida, “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana, “Lone Star Lockup” in Texas, and “Cornhusker Clink” in Nebraska. The sites are meant to house, process, and deport illegal immigrants accused of crimes.
After the unveiling of “Alligator Alcatraz,” Noem teased last month that at least five more detention centers would soon follow. The partnerships are all being made with Republican states.