President Donald Trump’s new migrant detention site in the middle of the Florida Everglades flooded on its first day — and there wasn’t even a storm.
Nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” because of the swamp full of gators and snakes surrounding it, the massive tent facility was supposed to be a symbol of strength. Instead, it immediately showed signs of failure.
On Tuesday, the day of its grand opening — which included a visit from Donald Trump himself — local journalist Jason Delgado filmed water leaking into the structure. His video shows puddles forming on the floor, water running near electrical wires, and rain hammering the roof.
There was no hurricane, no heavy downpour. According to the weather site RainDrop, only about a quarter-inch of rain fell near the site in Ochopee. Just a normal Florida summer shower — and the facility couldn’t handle it.
The detention site, promoted by Florida officials as hurricane-ready, is located on a remote airstrip about 45 miles west of Miami. Officials have claimed it can withstand a Category 2 hurricane. But the footage shows water already finding its way in around the base and seams.
State emergency spokesperson Stephanie Hartman confirmed there was flooding, but downplayed it: “Overnight, the vendors went back and tightened any seams at the base of the structures that allowed water intrusion during the heavy storm, which was minimal.”
Critics are blasting the site for being dangerous and inhumane. It’s built to temporarily hold migrants before deportation — in the middle of a swamp, in tents, surrounded by alligators and pythons. Florida Republicans have even started selling merchandise branded with the detention center’s name.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the site is only for short-term use. But human rights groups say it’s not safe — not even for a single night.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s adviser and the lead voice behind the administration’s immigration crackdown, defended the tent camp. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “What’s ‘dehumanizing’ is when American citizens are stripped of their rights and their liberties by the invasion of illegal aliens. What’s ‘dehumanizing’ is when Democrats let illegal alien rapists into the country to attack our children. That is ‘dehumanizing.’”
Despite the big promises, Trump’s new facility couldn’t handle even routine rain. The first test wasn’t a hurricane — it was a drizzle. And the place failed.
Take a look at the photos and videos below:
A good lil storm passed over us here at 'Alligator Alcatraz.’
Here's what it looks & sounds like inside one of these tents.
The state says the sites here are rated to withstand a category two hurricane (~120mph winds). pic.twitter.com/6SyY1hAvkK
— Jason Delgado (@JasonDelgadoX) July 1, 2025
