Under the Trump administration, federal authorities are allocating $608 million from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program to states willing to establish temporary immigration detention centers. States may apply for grants through this new “detention support grant program” until August 8, 2025.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has confirmed the state will apply for FEMA reimbursement to support its newest detention facility, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, located at a remote airfield in the Everglades, is projected to house up to 5,000 detainees and cost approximately $450 million annually.
This facility is financed largely through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program, a reimbursement fund separate from FEMA’s nationally designated Disaster Relief Fund. Congress originally established and funded the program under the Biden administration to address migrant shelter needs; the Trump administration has repurposed it to support detention infrastructure.
Senator John Cornyn has proposed building a Texas version of “Alligator Alcatraz,” citing Florida’s example as a model for stringent immigration enforcement in other states.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, echoing earlier statements, praised the use of FEMA-funded infrastructure to quickly expand deportation capacity nationwide and emphasized FEMA’s renewed role in undergirding enforcement efforts.
Opponents, including environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, have voiced concerns about building a detention center in the Everglades, citing ecological impact and tribal rights. Supporters argue that enforcing immigration laws and securing the border outweigh these objections, emphasizing that the facility’s location allows for rapid construction while keeping detainees away from populated areas.
Conservatives point out that criticism of detention standards often ignores the reality that these facilities are designed to uphold law and order, not provide luxury accommodations. Many argue that enforcing existing immigration laws is a moral duty to protect American sovereignty, families, and communities from the effects of unchecked illegal immigration.
For many on the right, FEMA’s funding of detention infrastructure demonstrates a long‑overdue commitment to prioritize American security. The expansion of centers like “Alligator Alcatraz” is seen as a necessary step to deter illegal crossings and restore respect for the rule of law at the southern border.