Florida Counties Transport Immigration Detainees to Alligator Alcatraz Facility

Orange County officials are considering an amended agreement with ICE that would authorize jail staff to transport immigration detainees to Alligator Alcatraz, a new detention facility in the Florida Everglades designed to relieve overcrowding in local jails. While some commissioners oppose the increased workload and the ethical implications of such cooperation, the facility is already in use, with inmates — including those without criminal records — being moved there, sparking concern among Democratic lawmakers about the treatment and classification of detainees. The facility, praised by President Trump and Florida Governor DeSantis, is intended to house the 'worst of the worst' criminal illegal immigrants, according to the Florida GOP, who highlight the serious offenses of detainees held there. Meanwhile, transportation efforts to Alligator Alcatraz have been publicly recognized by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, commending local sheriffs for their cooperation with ICE. Despite official statements emphasizing public safety and order, the lack of transparency from ICE and questions about the criteria for detainee transfers have raised humanitarian and environmental concerns. The situation illustrates the ongoing tension between state and local jurisdictions, immigrant rights advocates, and federal immigration enforcement under the current Trump administration.