Alligator Alcatraz: A $245 Million Debacle in the Everglades
“Nothing in the nature around us is evil. This needs to be repeated since one of the
human ways of talking oneself into inhuman acts is to cite the supposed cruelty of nature.”
— John Berger
It was suggested that I write a BriefBlog about Alligator Alcatraz. Good idea. However, I had a difficult time getting started as the absurdity of the situation unfolding in the U.S. Democracy is so stupidly exhausting. Of course, this is exactly what these purveyors of cruelty and chaos want to see happen. The flash bang of events moves so quickly and ruthlessly that the general populace is working to catch its breath from the last cold-hearted act as the next insult to common sense begins to unfold.
To recap the saga of Alligator Alcatraz: The detainment center surreptitiously began being constructed (bypassing normal vetting by interested parties) in the Big Cypress National Reserve located in the Florida Everglades. On August 21, 2025, Federal Judge Kathleen Williams ordered the U.S. Government to stop sending immigrant detainees to the facility located a few miles from the environmentally conscious Miccosukee tribal community. Judge Williams cited environmental concerns and lack of federal review. Incidentally, the sycophantic governor of Florida, after the ruling, told reporters; “We’re going to continue working on the deportations advancing that mission”. The dismantling of Alligator Alcatraz began immediately only to be halted on September 4, 2025, by a federal appeals court.
As of this Brief Blog the population of detainees at the facility has diminished significantly, lawsuits have been filed by environmental groups including the Miccosukee Tribe. The cost of this ego-born debacle is said to be in the neighborhood of around $245 million. Incidentally, it has been reported that the annual operating cost would be around $450 million.
Like I said earlier this was a subject that was difficult to get into as it felt like old news due entirely to my lethargy brought on by the speed of events that have unfolded over the last nine months. I have come to the realization that it is time to” flip the script” which is to say; I require an attitude adjustment.
The recent assassinations of activists and politicians on both sides of the political divide have made it crystal clear that the United States of America is in danger of imploding. This country, once considered to be the model of a modern Democracy, is losing its sense of compassion, inclusion, tolerance and common decency.
It is time for a large dose of peace, love, and understanding as put forth in song by the great Nick Lowe… stay tuned.
Peace,
Radical Urge
