The U.S. government has begun deporting migrants detained in Florida via flights operated from a former military airstrip located in the Everglades, a remote, swampy area west of Miami. The detention center, which activists dubbed the “Alligator Alcatraz,” opened on July 3, 2025 under an executive order by Governor Ron DeSantis, with the backing of President Donald Trump.
During a conference at the site, DeSantis confirmed, “Several flights have already departed with hundreds of deportees. This center will become a key piece in increasing the pace of removals from Florida.”
A detention center in an isolated area
The site operates in what used to be an abandoned airport.
It currently holds 2,000 migrants, but authorities plan to expand it to 4,000 detainees, according to Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
The infrastructure allows commercial flights to operate both day and night, which facilitates rapid and continuous deportations.
DeSantis also announced that members of the National Guard will soon be incorporated as immigration judges in order to speed up the removal process.
Concern about inhumane conditions
Buzzy
The facility has generated strong criticism from human rights organizations, which denounce dangerous and unsanitary conditions.
Activists and relatives of migrants have described the place as a “modern-day concentration camp”.
Since its opening, at least six hospitalizations of detainees have been reported.
In addition to claims of restricted access to lawyers and medical personnel.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava sent a formal letter to FDEM.
Requesting immediate access to the site to conduct independent inspections.
She expressed concern about reports of “inhumane treatment” of detainees, many of whom have not received formal hearings.
Florida, epicenter of immigration politics
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has positioned himself as one of the main enforcers of Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
According to figures presented by the governor himself, more than 18,000 migrants were intercepted on the state’s coasts and up to 75,000 could be deported from Florida in the coming months.
The site operates on what used to be an abandoned airport
QuéOnnda.com
This as part of the federal plan that seeks to remove up to 800,000 people nationwide by 2025.
In addition, all counties in the state have been instructed to collaborate with ICE, with no exceptions, as part of the new intergovernmental agreements pushed by Tallahassee.
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