Florida Lawmakers Denied Access Alligator Alcatraz Detention Facility

A new detention center called "Alligator Alcatraz" has opened in the Florida Everglades, designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees and secured with extensive surveillance and staff. The facility was built rapidly in eight days to support President Donald Trump's immigration program and was toured by Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Trump. However, several Florida Democratic lawmakers, including State Representative Anna Eskamani, were denied entry despite citing their legal authority to inspect the site. Eskamani expressed concern about the facility's safety, questioning how it could be safe for detainees and staff if it was unsafe for lawmakers to tour. She suspects officials are hiding poor conditions and is exploring legal options to gain access. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.