Possible Expansion of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility in Arizona

After the controversial opening of Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" prison in the Everglades, the Department of Homeland Security is announcing a new proposal to build state-run immigration detention centers nationwide.

Plans to establish similar detention facilities in Arizona, Nebraska, and Louisiana were revealed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. As part of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement plan, the development expands on two existing facilities that have already started operations.

At the remote Dade-Collier Training and Transportation Airport in the Florida Everglades, the first facility, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," opened its doors in July. The facility, which is projected to hold up to 5,000 detainees, is surrounded by swampland that is home to panthers, crocodiles, and alligators. It is projected that the temporary facility, which was set up in eight days using trailers and tents, will cost $450 million in its first year of operation.

Indiana recently announced the soon to be opening "Speedway Slammer" at Miami Correctional Center in Bunker Hill, becoming the second state that is working with federal authorities. There are 1,000 beds available for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at this institution.

Kristi Noem emphasized that in order to increase operational efficiency for deportation transport, the planned facilities will be placed strategically close to airport landing strips.

"The locations we're looking at are right by airport runways that will help give us an efficiency that we've never had before," she stated to CBS News.

Governors around the country have been contacted directly by the Secretary to find out their interest in the program, with several reportedly open to taking part, especially in states that back the administration's border security efforts.

Some states, though, are opposing the proposal. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has not formally committed to participating in any federal detention expansion.

Although, Arizona lawmakers have expressed support for the proposal despite the governor's stance.

According to a social media statement by state senator Wendy Rogers, "once we get a real Arizona governor… we can contribute a DESERT ALCATRAZ.” 

During his personal visit to the Florida facility, President Trump saw the rows of bunk beds behind razor-wire-topped chain-link fences.

He discussed the facility's isolated setting while there, telling reporters that it would "teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison."

When asked if the temporary facility would be a model for operations in the future, Trump said he was excited about the idea of bringing it to "many states."