The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has commenced deportation flights from Alligator Alcatraz, a newly established detention facility in the Florida Everglades, as confirmed by Governor Ron DeSantis. This facility, erected on an old airstrip within just eight days, forms a crucial part of President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policy.

Alligator Alcatraz is designed to detain up to 5,000 individuals under severe conditions, surrounded by the natural habitat of over 200,000 American alligators. The facility’s name reflects its challenging location and alludes to the infamous Alcatraz prison known for its maximum security and minimal escape record.

The first batch of detainees was transferred to the camp approximately three weeks ago, with several hundred already deported, according to DeSantis. Efforts are underway to set up temporary courtrooms to expedite the processing and deportation of detainees, aiming for on-site immigration judges to facilitate this process.

However, the establishment of Alligator Alcatraz has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges. Environmental groups have sued the state and federal entities, accusing them of bypassing mandatory environmental assessments required under the National Environmental Policy Act. This area of the Everglades is ecologically sensitive and a recognized habitat for endangered species, raising concerns about the potential environmental impact of the facility.

President Trump’s aggressive immigration strategy since his office tenure beginning in January 2025 has included mass arrests and deportations, often criticized for questionable due process and targeting non-criminal immigrants. A recent DHS statement disclosed the deportation of individuals to countries with which they had no prior connection, including a case where individuals from various nations were sent to South Sudan, despite most not being nationals of that country.

Despite Trump’s campaign promises to focus on criminal elements within immigration enforcement, his policies have broadened in scope, affecting a wide demographic. Recent polls indicate a shift in public opinion, with a record high of 79% of US adults now viewing immigration positively, according to Gallup. This marks a significant change even among Republicans, whose desire for reduced immigration has drastically decreased.

The legal and ethical debates surrounding Alligator Alcatraz continue to unfold, highlighting the complex interplay between national security, immigration policy, and humanitarian concerns.