Trump expected to visit the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility this week

Trump is expected to be in attendance Tuesday at the opening of a controversial immigration detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — President Donald Trump is expected to be at the formal opening Tuesday of a controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades that state leaders have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

The Palm Beach Post reported Sunday that Federal Aviation Administration data indicated that Trump would be in South Florida for the opening. Two White House officials and a Florida official familiar with the travel confirmed to NBC News that Trump is “likely” to be there.

The facility is on a little-used airstrip in Miami-Dade County that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration seized using emergency powers to build a housing facility for undocumented migrants. DeSantis issued an emergency order focused on immigration in early 2023, and he has since then extended it multiple times. The measure gives him significant authority to take actions such as seizing land. Some local political leaders in Miami-Dade County opposed DeSantis’ taking the land for the Everglades-based detention center.

Everglades airfield.Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via APThe facility, which was set up quickly — in roughly one week — by the DeSantis administration, was the brainchild of state Attorney General James Uthmeier, who is DeSantis’ former chief of staff and one of his top political advisers.

Environmental groups sued to block the plan Friday, arguing it could have devastating effects on the Everglades.