Democrats press DHS for Alligator Alcatraz information

Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more information about how the Trump administration teamed up with the state of Florida to create a controversial detention facility for migrants in the middle of the Everglades.

"Brushing aside concerns from human rights watchdogs, environmentalist groups, and Tribal nations, [DHS] has greenlit the construction of this expansive detention facility that may violate detained individuals' human rights, jeopardize public and environmental health and violate federal law," House and Senate Democrats wrote in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem dated Wednesday.

The detention facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," opened in early July to house arrested migrants awaiting deportation. It was created through a state and federal partnership, with Florida officials leading oversight and construction, with DHS footing the bill. President Trump toured the facility when it opened, along with Noem.

A federal judge last week temporarily halted expansion of the site after tribal and environmental groups filed a lawsuit over potential damage to wetlands.

Located just south of Miami, Alligator Alcatraz quickly raised alarms about conditions for detainees in the hot, humid climate. Some whistleblowers have described worm-infested food, plumbing problems and other issues since its opening.

"The Everglades site was selected precisely because of its remote location and harsh
surroundings, which Florida officials reportedly view as 'an ideal location to house and transport migrants,'" the Democrats wrote in their letter Wednesday. "We ask that DHS promptly provide critical information for the American public to better understand this detention plan."

The letter was signed by more than five dozen members of Congress, led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). It requested that DHS respond to several questions by September 3.