President Donald Trump is set to visit a controversial new immigration detention center deep in the Florida Everglades Tuesday, highlighting his administration’s tough stance on border enforcement amid growing environmental and humanitarian backlash.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who confirmed the visit Monday, said the site had received federal approval and would likely be operational by the time of Trump’s arrival, according to the Associated Press.
“When the president comes tomorrow, he’s going to be able to see,” DeSantis said. “I think by tomorrow, it’ll be ready for business.”
DeSantis — who challenged Trump for the GOP nomination last year — touted the facility’s remote location and security.
“They ain’t going anywhere once they’re there,” DeSantis said during a press event. “Good luck getting to civilization. So the security is amazing.”
The detention center, under construction on a secluded airstrip about 50 miles west of Miami, has the capacity to house up to 5,000 people.
The swampy surroundings — teeming with mosquitoes, alligators, and pythons — have sparked fierce debate.
Critics argue the site’s isolation could endanger detainees and damage a fragile ecosystem. Native American leaders have also voiced opposition, citing the land’s sacred status.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier described the facility as “Alligator Alcatraz” in a conversation with conservative commentator Benny Johnson.
“There’s really nowhere to go,” Uthmeier said. “If you’re detained there, there’s no way in, no way out.”
The Trump administration embraced the nickname, with DHS even sharing images of alligators sporting ICE-branded hats.
Construction is led by state officials, but the project is receiving significant financial support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—an agency typically tasked with natural disaster response.
The facility has already drawn protests and criticism from immigration advocates who view the project as a symbol of intimidation.
Nonetheless, Tuesday’s visit is expected to underscore Trump’s commitment to stricter immigration policy in his campaign rhetoric and beyond.
