Homeland Security

Alligator Alcatraz

The federal government on June 23 approved a proposal to open a 5,000-bed detention facility on 39-square miles of land in the Everglades, which includes converting existing structures from the Miami-Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport.

The Florida facility, estimated to cost $450 million annually, could eventually house up to 5,000 people, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The facility is scheduled to open 1 July, 2025, with the first group of detainees scheduled to arrive on 2 July, 2025.

Florida officials are considering opening a second immigration detention center at a National Guard base in North Florida in addition to a facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades, part of a plan to set up 5,000 beds by early July to support President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.

Camp Blanding

Camp Blanding, a Florida National Guard training center southwest of Jacksonville, could be used as another detention center, the governor said, joining the previously announced South Florida facility. Federal officials indicated several sites are under consideration to meet the 5,000-bed target.

Camp Blanding was used for detention purposes in the past, housing German prisoners during World War II. The POW compound was enclosed with double chain-link fences topped with barbwire and held up to 1,200 people, according to a camp museum documentary.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday the state-run detention centers will relieve county jails facing an influx of detainees held for immigration violations.

Alligator Alcatraz

Indiana "The Speedway Slammer"

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it has signed another state partnership to house detainees, this time in Indiana.

Following Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz,” this second state partnership will expand U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) space to detain migrants.

Though dubbed the “Speedway Slammer” in a nod to the state’s racetracks, the additional bed space is in an existing prison, the Miami Correctional Facility, located about 65 miles north of Indianapolis.

“COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.

“Thanks to [GOP] Governor [Mike] Braun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App.”