Tallahassee, FL — On July 11, 2025, a bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers was granted rare access to the controversial Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in the Florida Everglades. The lawmakers, responding to mounting pressure from advocacy groups and recent viral footage, described scenes of detainees packed into overcrowded cages, raising new concerns about the state's handling of wildlife trafficking suspects and undocumented migrants.
Inside the Alligator Alcatraz Facility
Located in a remote part of Broward County, the Alligator Alcatraz facility was established in 2023 as an emergency holding center amid a surge in arrests related to illegal wildlife trade and border enforcement. The center, operated jointly by the Florida Department of Corrections and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has faced mounting scrutiny over its conditions and transparency.
Lawmakers reported that detainees—comprising both suspected wildlife traffickers and undocumented migrants—were being held in metal cages designed for temporary containment rather than extended stays. Several legislators described the holding units as “severely overcrowded,” with some cages containing up to 15 individuals, well beyond intended capacity.
Lawmakers Call for Immediate Action
State Senator Maria Rodriguez (D-Miami) said, "The conditions we observed are unacceptable, and immediate reforms are necessary to ensure humane treatment." Senator James Cartwright (R-Tampa) echoed concerns, calling for an independent review and urging the governor’s office to address the causes of overcrowding and insufficient medical care.
- Overcrowding: Lawmakers observed over 300 detainees in a facility built for fewer than 150.
- Sanitation: Multiple reports cited inadequate bathroom facilities and poor ventilation.
- Safety Risks: The proximity to wildlife—including alligators—raises unique safety concerns for both staff and detainees.
Advocacy Groups Demand Oversight
Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Southern Poverty Law Center, and local immigrant advocacy groups have renewed calls for federal intervention. The ACLU’s Florida director stated, "The lack of transparency and the reported conditions require immediate federal oversight and accountability."
State Response and Next Steps
Governor Casey Williamson's office issued a brief statement late Friday, pledging to "review the findings from the legislative visit and prioritize the health and safety of all individuals in state custody." The Department of Corrections has not responded to requests for further comment as of Saturday morning.
The Florida legislature is expected to convene a special session next month to discuss emergency funding and oversight mechanisms for the facility, as well as broader reforms to the state’s detention policies.
The situation at Alligator Alcatraz remains fluid, with advocates and lawmakers vowing to keep pressure on state authorities. The story continues to generate national attention as the debate over detention conditions and immigration policy intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
