Photo: Alamy
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she has been in discussions with five Republican governors about building new detention facilities for illegal immigrants, modeled after Florida’s recently opened “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Speaking at a news conference in Tampa, Noem praised Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to launch the facility, located on a remote airstrip deep in the Everglades. Surrounded by miles of swamp, the site is designed to house thousands of detainees with limited escape options.
“We’ve had several other states that are actually using Alligator Alcatraz as a model for how they can partner with us, as well,” Noem said. She did not identify the states involved but confirmed the conversations are ongoing.
“We need to double our capacity and detention beds because we need to facilitate getting people out of this country as fast as possible and to sustain our operations,” she added.
The facility began housing detainees on July 1, the same day Noem and President Donald Trump toured the site. It currently holds up to 3,000 individuals. Trump lauded the location during his visit, saying the surrounding swampland makes deportation the only realistic option for escape.
Though Noem did not specifically name the states under consideration, spokespersons for governors in Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina signaled their readiness to support Trump’s immigration policies. Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesman for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, said the state will continue to assist with “arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.”
“Mississippi will do whatever it takes to help support President Trump’s immigration agenda,” said Cory Custer, chief of staff to Gov. Tate Reeves. “Nothing is off the table.”
South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace also promoted South Carolina’s version of the Florida facility.
“Dear DHS: We’ve got a swamp and a dream. Let’s talk,” Mace posted July 1. “South Carolina’s gators are ready. And they’re not big on paperwork.”
Noem called on Democrat-led states to step up and partner with the administration, arguing that too many “sanctuary cities and sanctuary states” are failing to address crime associated with illegal immigration.
“Those governors have been fantastic,” she said of the Republican leaders. “I would challenge some Democrats to start taking care of your states, partner with us in a way to make your communities safer.”