DeSantis reveals plans for second ICE detention center, 'Alligator Alcatraz' officially opens

President Trump arrives in Florida, ahead of 'Alligator Alcatraz' visit

President Trump arrived in Florida Tuesday afternoon ahead of his visit to "Alligator Alcatraz," the brand new immigration detention center located in the Everglades. The $450 million facility has drawn criticism from environmental groups who filed a federal lawsuit, citing threats to endangered species and a lack of public review.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis spoke about his plans for a second immigration detention facility Tuesday after President Trump arrived in Florida to tour "Alligator Alcatraz."

Where will the second ICE detention facility be located?

DeSantis first revealed the plans for a second facility on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, while speaking at USF. 

This second detention facility will be located in northern Florida at Camp Blanding, Florida’s National Guard training headquarters.

How many detainees will it hold?

During Tuesday's tour of "Alligator Alcatraz", DeSantis said the Camp Blanding facility will hold another 2,000 detainees on top of the 3,000 being held at the Everglades facility. 

When will construction begin?

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said construction will start "right after our wonderful Independence Day."

'Alligator Alcatraz': President Trump speaks following facility tour

President Donald Trump spoke at "Alligator Alcatraz" on Tuesday following his tour of the brand new immigration detention facility. The facility is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Florida Everglades, specifically near Ochopee, Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie were some of the other officials who also spoke during the round table discussion.

What is ‘Alligator Alcatraz’? 

Dig deeper:

The controversial detention facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. The facility is designed to house, process and deport undocumented immigrants. 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Officials say the facility will eventually hold up to 5,000 people.

According to the Florida government, the site will cost around $450 million a year to operate. However, that cost is expected to be reimbursed by FEMA. 

'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention facility

FOX 35's Garrett Wymer takes a deep dive into "Alligator Alcatraz." Florida is now using emergency powers to take over a remote, 30-square-mile site in the Everglades to build what some are calling "Alligator Alcatraz." The state said the site will hold up to 5,000 immigration detainees and will operate under the current state of emergency. Construction is already underway.

Will there be other facilities built?

The state has pinpointed multiple physical sites in northeast and south-central Florida that could potentially be used as detention facilities, according to its outlined plan for large-scale deportation efforts.