Americans aren’t on board with ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, new survey shows
A recent YouGov survey indicates that almost half of Americans, 48 percent, disapprove of the new “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in the Florida Everglades, established to house undocumented migrants.
Only 33 percent of respondents supported the facility, with independent voters showing significant opposition, and 47 percent believing detainees are treated too severely by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The facility, announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, is located on a disused airport site, can hold up to 5,000 people, and costs an estimated $450m annually to operate.
Trump visited the site, accompanied by Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, remarking on the natural security provided by the local wildlife, including alligators.
During his visit, Trump made several controversial statements, including threats of arrest and hints that “Alligator Alcatraz” could be the first of many such detention centers, while the facility has also drawn extreme commentary from some conservative figures.