A coalition of 24 House Democrats has formally urged the Trump administration to shut down the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigrant detention facility currently under construction in the Florida Everglades. The letter, addressed to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Director Todd Lyons, denounces the site as a “morally reprehensible” and “inhumane stunt.”
🚨 ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ OPENS TUESDAY: Any Illegal Alien that escapes will have to travel through the SWAMP and try to avoid GATORS & PYTHONS!
IS THIS WHAT YOU VOTED FOR OR IS IT TOO HARSH? pic.twitter.com/DiwXgbK5TE
— Publius (@OcrazioCornPop) June 27, 2025
The letter is led by Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) and Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), whose districts and activist bases have been vocal in opposing the facility since its location and security design became public. The lawmakers cited extreme environmental conditions and lack of access for legal counsel, families, and oversight bodies as key reasons for the demand to halt operations.
“This remote swamp is notorious for oppressive heat, relentless humidity, severe storms, and perilous terrain infested with venomous snakes, disease-carrying insects, and large predatory wildlife, including alligators and crocodiles,” the letter states.
The lawmakers argue that the intentional remoteness of the facility raises serious questions about transparency, detainee rights, and federal resource allocation. They also challenged the underlying logic of the site’s purpose, stating that “the vast majority of individuals navigating our broken immigration system have not committed any crimes.”
However, crossing the U.S. border illegally is a federal offense under Title 8 U.S. Code § 1325, a point omitted from the letter and frequently contested in public debate over immigration enforcement.
The letter outlines five specific demands, including:
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Immediate suspension of construction and planning for the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility.
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A full accounting of federal funds used for the project, particularly the reported diversion of FEMA Shelter and Services Program funds.
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A public rejection of the use of hostile environments as a method of deterrence.
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Clarification on whether detainee tents include air conditioning, potable water, and flushing toilets.
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Commitments to humane treatment and regular, unannounced oversight inspections from DHS civil rights officials and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Opponents of the facility say the Everglades site is not just difficult to access—it’s designed that way. Proponents, including Trump-aligned DHS officials, argue that geographic isolation serves as a natural deterrent to unlawful border re-entry and improves perimeter security without excessive construction costs.
As of now, the Department of Homeland Security has not issued a formal response to the letter. ICE and DHS continue to move forward with the project, and federal appropriations records show that site logistics and contractor mobilization began in late June.
