6:03President President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem inspect a migrant detention center, referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” situated at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Fla., on July 1, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump expressed his desire to see similar facilities like the newly established “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades implemented in various states.
"Well, I think I would like to see them in numerous states. Truly, quite a few states," the president stated. "And, you know, eventually, they might evolve into a network."
The Trump administration is transforming the isolated Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport into a facility that officials claim will eventually accommodate up to 5,000 individuals. Officials anticipate that operations will commence on Tuesday. This facility is part of Trump’s initiative to increase deportations by enhancing detention capacity. The president has previously relocated migrants to Guantánamo Bay and the super-prison in El Salvador.
When asked by ABC News’ Mary Bruce if the new center could set a precedent for immigration facilities in the U.S. amid criticism for its severe conditions, Trump replied, "It could be."
President President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem inspect a migrant detention center, referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” situated at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Fla., on July 1, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
"I mean, you don't frequently find land as beautiful and secure. They have numerous bodyguards and a significant police presence in the form of alligators. You don’t have to compensate them excessively, but I wouldn’t want to wander through the Everglades for too long. It will ensure that individuals remain where they belong. This is a very significant matter," he remarked.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump’s visit would serve as an opportunity for the president to highlight funding for additional detention facilities and efforts to implement Trump’s mass deportation strategy, which is included in his megabill that the Senate could vote on Tuesday before forwarding to the House ahead of Trump’s Fourth of July deadline.
"I believe his visit to this detention center actually emphasizes the necessity to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill because we require more detention facilities throughout the nation," Leavitt said.
A source acquainted with the planning informed ABC that the cost for Florida will be $450 million annually, and officials assert that a portion of that funding will be reimbursed through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program.
Leavitt characterized the facility’s isolated location during her briefing on Monday.
"There’s only one road leading in, and the sole exit is a one-way flight," she mentioned. "It is secluded and surrounded by hazardous wildlife and challenging terrain. The facility will accommodate up to 5,000 beds to house, process, and deport criminal illegal aliens."
President President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem inspect a migrant detention center, referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” situated at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Fla., on July 1, 2025. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
"This represents an efficient and cost-effective means to facilitate the largest mass deportation campaign in American history," Leavitt added.
When questioned about the facility’s remote and perilous location, Leavitt indicated that it serves as a deterrent to prevent detainees from escaping.
"Well, consider this: when you house illegal murderers and rapists and violent criminals in a detention facility surrounded by
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
