US President Donald Trump visited a new immigration detention center in Florida on Tuesday. During the visit, he joked that the nearby swamp’s alligators could serve as natural guards. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accompanied him on the tour.
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Everglades
The facility, known informally as “Alligator Alcatraz,” is located around 50 kilometers west of Miami. It sits on a secluded airstrip in the Florida Everglades — an area famous for its dangerous wildlife like alligators, pythons, and mosquitoes.
While speaking at the center, Trump declared, “Very soon this facility will house some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet,” according to AFP.
He also said, “We’re surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland, and the only way out is really deportation.”
These comments reflect Trump’s firm stance on illegal immigration and his support for tough border control.
Jokes About Wildlife and Escape
Trump made light-hearted remarks about the harsh environment around the detention center. Referring to the Everglades, he said, “A lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators — you don’t have to pay them so much. I wouldn’t want to run through the Everglades for long. It’ll keep people where they’re supposed to be.”
Before his tour, Trump also joked about how detainees might try to escape. “We’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison,” he said, making a zigzag gesture with his hands. He added, “Don’t run in a straight line. Run like this…And you know what? Your chances go up about 1 per cent.” This remark was reported by the Associated Press (AP).
The Facility’s Features and Purpose
Governor DeSantis said the center would officially begin holding detainees on Wednesday. According to AP, workers built the facility in just eight days. It has a capacity of 3,000 people.
The center includes more than 200 security cameras, over 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) of barbed wire, and around 400 security personnel to maintain safety and order.
