Fact Check: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier introduced an immigration detention center called "Alligator Alcatraz," which was hastily built and is located in a deadly swamp, and has the assistance of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is praised by Donald Trump.touring the facility in a Gulf of America hat on Tuesday, Trump delighted in the prospect of venomous wildlife catching—even killing—migrants who dare attempt to escape. “We’re surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland and the only way out is deportation,” Trump said at a roundtable event.

Fact-Check: "Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier introduced an immigration detention center called 'Alligator Alcatraz,' which was hastily built and is located in a deadly swamp, and has the assistance of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is praised by Donald Trump."

What We Know

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has proposed the construction of a migrant detention center nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades. This facility is intended to support the Trump administration's immigration policies, specifically targeting illegal immigration. Uthmeier described the site as "virtually abandoned" and noted its strategic location surrounded by the Everglades, which he claimed would reduce the need for extensive security measures (NPR).

The facility is expected to have a capacity of 5,000 beds and is projected to open in early July 2025 (NPR). Uthmeier stated that the federal government had approved the plan, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed its support (NPR).

During a visit to the site, former President Donald Trump remarked on the facility's location, suggesting that the surrounding wildlife, including alligators, would serve as a deterrent for migrants attempting to escape (Washington Post). He referred to the facility as a place for "some of the most menacing migrants" (Washington Post).

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has been involved in the project, emphasized the need for effective immigration enforcement, stating that the facility would be part of a broader strategy to expedite deportations (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that "Alligator Alcatraz" was hastily built is somewhat misleading. While the facility is being constructed quickly, it is based on a proposal that has been publicly discussed and approved by federal authorities. The term "hastily" implies a lack of planning, which does not align with the documented steps taken by Uthmeier and his office to secure necessary approvals (NPR).

The assertion that the detention center is located in a "deadly swamp" is more subjective. The Everglades is indeed a unique and potentially hazardous ecosystem, home to various wildlife, including alligators and snakes. However, the characterization of the area as "deadly" lacks specific context regarding the actual risks posed to detainees or staff, which could be seen as sensationalist (NPR, Democracy Now).

Regarding the involvement of Kristi Noem, she is indeed a key figure in the project, and her statements reflect a commitment to the Trump administration's immigration policies. However, the claim that she is "assisting" Uthmeier could be interpreted as implying a more active role than what has been publicly documented. Noem's comments have focused on the broader goals of immigration enforcement rather than specific operational details of the facility (NPR, Washington Post).

Trump's remarks about the facility and its surroundings have been reported accurately, but they also reflect a political narrative that emphasizes deterrence through fear, which may not be the primary objective of the facility's design (Washington Post, NBC Miami).

Conclusion

The claim contains elements that are both accurate and misleading. While it is true that Uthmeier introduced the "Alligator Alcatraz" project with the support of Noem and Trump, the portrayal of the facility as hastily built and situated in a "deadly swamp" lacks nuance and context. Therefore, the verdict is Partially True. The project is indeed moving forward rapidly, but the implications of its location and the nature of its construction require a more balanced understanding.

Sources

1. 'Alligator Alcatraz': Florida builds migrant detention center ...
2. Trump visits 'Alligator Alcatraz,' sending a political message
3. Trump says he wants other states to build migrant ...
4. “Alligator Alcatraz”: Florida Activists Resist Everglades ...
5. Enviros push back as Trump praises 'Alligator Alcatraz' ...
6. Florida AG proposes 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention ...
7. Self-deport or end up in 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Noem warns ...
8. Trump tours immigration detention center in the Everglades