Deportations start at Alligator Alcatraz as Florida officials vow to "surge" immigration arrests
CBS2 days
Deportation Flights Out of Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Begin
Above: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a press conference at 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Ochopee on July 25, 2025. Image copyright: Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The Alligator Alcatraz facility represents a crucial breakthrough in immigration enforcement, delivering on the American people's mandate for effective deportation operations. This innovative approach helps reduce logistical delays, increasing the speed and efficiency of removals. Moreover, its strategic location and expanded capacity demonstrate Florida's leadership in supporting federal immigration priorities.
Democratic narrative
That the Alligator Alcatraz operates under concerning conditions regarding detainees' access to basic needs, and legal representation has long been a well-known issue. However, the announcement that deportation flights out of the facility have begun is even more worrying. After all, there are people held at the center who have no final order of removal — and the Trump administration simply doesn't care about that.