Florida Democratic lawmakers attempting to inspect the Alligator Alcatraz ICE detention center in the Everglades were denied entry on July 3, 2025. The facility, located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, opened on July 1 and has been championed by Governor Ron DeSantis. President Donald Trump visited the site on opening day.
The detention center, informally known as Alligator Alcatraz, is operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lawmakers, including Rep. Anna Eskamani and Sen. Carlos Guillermo-Smith, arrived to assess safety conditions but were turned away at the gate. Officials did not provide a reason for the denial.
The facility is situated in a remote section of the Florida Everglades, several miles from the nearest residential area. Images from the site show secured entry points, National Guard presence, and dormitory-style interiors with beds and toilets for detainees.
Nearby residents, including Betty Osceola, who lives three miles from the facility, have voiced concerns about its location and potential impact on the community. The detention center has drawn protests from local activists, tribal members, and immigrant rights groups since its opening.
During his July 1 visit, Trump toured the facility alongside DeSantis and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The event drew media, supporters, and protesters along U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail, highlighting the political controversy surrounding the center’s operation and accessibility to elected officials.
