Alcatraz but make it… alligator? Now introducing Alligator Alcatraz, the Everglade’s newest and most controversial addition that not only serves as an incredibly inhumane detention facility but endangers the wellbeing of a delicate ecosystem.

Opened July 3rd of this year, South Florida Detention Facility, controversially nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” is a state-run facility for immigrants which do not have their proper documentation, though its alliterated name is the least of its controversy.

Politically Motivated

When President Donald Trump ran for his second term in 2024, a large portion of his platform was immigration policy. He desired a strict deportation policy and promised to mobilize federal authorities to carry out the reforms. This sudden influx in people being arrested and detained, caused new detention facilities to be opened, nearly 50 by some estimates, and one such facility is “Alligator Alcatraz”.

Many other politicians came forward, either with scathing criticism or enthusiastic support, our governor Ron DeSantis is part of the latter category. As part of his vocal and adamant support, he suggested (and later forced despite pushback) a facility right here in our backyard. This decision was met with backlash that, though partially political, has several more bipartisan reasons. So, let’s get into some of them.

I Speak for the Trees

The Everglades are a one-of-a-kind climate phenomenon based on a delicate ecosystem in which everything from the minerals in the soil to the acidity of the water determines its survival. Each species keeps one another in check and severe damage to a population would cause a domino effect upon the entire ecosystem.

The construction of the facility could be just the spark needed to ignite the collapse of this delicate ecosystem and environmentalists on both sides of the political aisle are concerned.

Beyond the obvious risk pollution from the resources used to build the structure, noise pollution is another danger. Noise pollution is man-made, disruptive, and excessively loud sounds that not only irritate people but alter the patterns of animals.

The patterns which are impacted range from the location in which species live and hunt, to even the levels of aggression or stress behaviors they display. These changes can alter the unique ecosystem and destroy the one in a million area.

The Geneva Suggestion

Now we would be remiss to not mention the humanitarian issues many have with the facility. Between the images of cells which look more equivalent to cages at the local animal shelter than a proper jail cell, and the many mocking statements that if one were to breakout they wouldn’t even look for the escapee and instead allow the nature of the Everglades to take its course, many began to question whether this facility is a human rights violation.

The state government made the decision to allow some representatives to tour the grounds of the facility, likely in an effort to quell these concerns and eliminate the controversy. However, the effect was the complete opposite. Those who initially opposed the very concept of the facility were inky emboldened by seeing the site in action, while the supporters only further argued that it accomplished its purpose.

It’s Giving True Crime

In the most recent reports, Alligator Alcatraz has made the news once more and, as per usual, not for good reason. Hundreds of the detainees held at the South Florida Detention Facility have went missing entirely, two thirds of those detained. Not only did the people seemingly disappear, but so did their names and information in the ICE database. This new addition to the already potent cocktail of controversy is likely the final nail in the proverbial coffin for the detention center.

Everything Must Go

As of August of this year, there have been judicial orders for the closure of the South Florida Detention Facility. The facility is in the process of ceasing operation, though slowly as the administrators and supporters attempt to challenge it via appeals. However, the chance of appeals succeeding seem unlikely as more and more flaws are exposed.