Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Alligator Alcatraz


Doubling down, the attorney general highlighted that the makeshift detention center would be surrounded by more than 200,000 alligators - adding a chilling layer of natural security

The detention center would be surrounded by more than 200,000 alligators - adding a layer of natural security

The Department of Homeland Security brazenly stoked fear with an AI-generated meme showing snarling alligators in ICE baseball caps patrolling the swampy grounds of the future facility dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz.'

Alligators in ICE baseball caps patrolling the swampy grounds of 'Alligator Alcatraz.'

Florida's attorney general unveiled plans to build a new immigration detention center - nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz' - as part of President Trump's sweeping crackdown to deport criminal aliens.

Attorney General James Uthmeier - dubbed 'Bulldog' by Governor Ron DeSantis - has thrown his support behind the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda, declaring that the Sunshine State has already been lending a leading hand - and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

His loyalty to the cause was on full display this week, when the 37-year-old politician proposed building a massive 39-square-mile detention center deep in the Everglades - encircled by thousands of pythons and alligators.

'Alligator Alcatraz - this existing island in the middle of the swamp presents a great option for criminal detention and deportation,' Uthmeier wrote to X.

'The one-stop shop to carry out President Trump's mass deportation agenda,' he added.

Uthmeier took to X on Thursday, sharing a one-minute, rock-and-roll-fueled video showcasing his vision for the detention center - set at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a forgotten pilot training airstrip in the Everglades.

He emphasized that 'Florida's been leading in immigration enforcement,' positioning the facility as the state’s next big move in ICE’s mission to round up criminal aliens.

In a span of just six days this past April, ICE agents in Florida arrested a staggering 1,120 people - underscoring the state’s aggressive role in the nationwide crackdown, according to an ICE press release.

The 37-year-old politician proposed building a massive 39-square-mile detention center deep in the Everglades - encircled by thousands of pythons and alligators, a feature he claimed would slash security costs

The 37-year-old politician proposed building a massive 39-square-mile detention center deep in the Everglades - encircled by thousands of pythons and alligators, a feature which would slash security costs

In the video, Uthmeier emphasized the nationwide need for temporary detention centers, suggesting the virtually abandoned airstrip could serve as an ideal facility. 

'The government tasked state leaders to identify places for new temporary detention facilities,' he said.

'I think this is the best one. As I call it, Alligator Alcatraz.' 

He billed the plan as a budget-friendly, escape-proof solution - thanks to the alligator and python-infested Everglades surrounding the remote site like a natural fortress, a feature he claimed would slash security costs.

'Efficient. Low cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don't need to invest that much into the perimeter,' Uthmeier explained.

'People get out. There's not much waiting for them, other than alligators and pythons,' he added.

'Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.' 

Pitching his plan to the White House, Uthmeier claimed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could be operational in just 30 to 60 days - and house up to 1,000 criminal aliens.

In the video, Uthmeier emphasized the nationwide need for temporary detention centers, suggesting the 'virtually abandoned airstrip' could serve as an ideal makeshift facility (pictured)

In the video, Uthmeier emphasized the nationwide need for temporary detention centers, suggesting the virtually abandoned airstrip could serve as an ideal facility (pictured)

Doubling down, the attorney general highlighted that the detention center would be surrounded by more than 200,000 alligators - adding a layer of natural security.

'This presents a great opportunity for the state of Florida to work with Miami Dade and Collier counties,' Uthmeier stated.

'Alligator Alcatraz - we're ready to go.'

According to Fox Business, which got an exclusive first look at the property, part of the appeal is the airstrip - allowing immigrants to be flown in directly, avoiding the process of relocating them multiple times.

The proposal appeared to win backing from the Department of Homeland Security, who reposted Uthmeier’s video on their own account - proudly hyping it with the bold caption, ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ'.

'Under 287g authority, state and local law enforcement can now assist with immigration functions, including: arrests, transportation and detention,' the department wrote to X.

'287g is a force multiplier in completing the President's mission and making America safe again.'

Pitching his plan to the White House, Uthmeier claimed ¿Alligator Alcatraz¿ could be operational in just 30 to 60 days - and could house up to 1,000 so-called ¿criminal aliens' (pictured: Uthmeier's video shared to X)

Alligator Alcatraz’ could be operational in just 30 to 60 days - and could house up to 1,000 criminal aliens (pictured)

The idea has sparked fierce backlash, with critics condemning it over environmental risks and calling out the inhumane conditions of detaining people in such camps - especially ones with dangerous wildlife surrounding each side

Dangerous wildlife, such as Pythons, surrounding each side

'I trust we will continue to work in partnership on initiatives that ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Floridians.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14839413/florida-attorney-general-james-uthmeier-alligator-alcatraz-criminal-aliens-swamp.html

A brave husband has saved his wife from an alligator attack by clinging to her as the 8-foot predator tried to drag her underwater while a second man jammed his fingers deep into the beast's eyes. The alligator (pictured) was later caught and killed

A brave husband saved his wife from a Florida alligator attack by clinging to her as the 8-foot predator tried to drag her underwater. The alligator (pictured) was later caught and killed 

Investigators did not release any details about the attack or the alligator. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper has been dispatched to the area (stock image)

Alligator

Horrifying bodycam footage shows a bloated 14ft alligator with the body of a 41-year-old mom in its stomach

A bloated 14ft Florida alligator with the body of a 41-year-old woman in its stomach

A 7-foot alligator launched into a violent 'death spiral' as deputies and a professional trapper struggled to drag it from the bottom of a family's backyard swimming pool

A 7-foot Florida alligator as deputies and a professional trapper struggled to drag it from the bottom of a family's backyard swimming pool

The gator can be seen slowly being coaxed out of the pool

The gator can be seen slowly being coaxed out of the pool

Video shows Hines securing the beast with a snare pole, cautiously maneuvering to guide the gator toward the shallow end

Securing the beast with a snare pole

The gator seemed quite at home relaxing in the pool on a hot June day

The gator seemed quite at home relaxing in the pool on a hot June day

It is mating season for alligators in Florida, a period when the typically reclusive reptiles become more aggressive and mobile, sometimes turning up in unwanted places

It is mating season for alligators in Florida, a period when the reptiles become more aggressive and mobile, turning up in unwanted places

Hines had to concentrate as he pulled the gator from the depths of this suburban pool

Pulling the gator from the depths of the suburban pool

The pole strained under the force of the reptile's spiraling assault as Hines dug in his heels, battling to maintain his grip with the gator pulling in the other direction

The pole strained under the force of the reptile's assault 

The gator was eventually dragged out of the pool and transported away

The gator was eventually dragged out of the pool and transported away

A team of five, including conservationist Mike Elfenbein and his teenage son, subdued a massive python at Big Cypress National Preserve Friday night

A team of five subdued a massive python at Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida

Burmese pythons are not only one of the largest snakes in the world, but highly invasive and pose a threat to native species in Florida

Such Pythons are not only one of the largest snakes in the world, but highly invasive

Amy Siewe, who bills herself as the 'Python Huntress,' was called to euthanize the animal. Burmese pythons must be killed onsite, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

Amy Siewe, who bills herself as the 'Python Huntress,' was called to euthanize the animal.