FAA issues alert near ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Everglades. Is Trump visiting?
A Federal Aviation Administration alert indicates President Donald Trump may visit the site of “Alligator Alcatraz” — an immigration detention center under construction in the Everglades.
The VIP movement notification was set for Tuesday for Ochopee, Florida, according to the FAA’s online advisory. The alert says “30/10 NMR,” which restricts flights within a distance typically reserved for the president.
READ MORE: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: What you need to know about the Everglades detention camp
The project lies about 40 miles west of the Miami International Airport and halfway to Naples. The camp is being quickly built on the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a property owned by Miami-Dade and recently seized by the state.
The facility is within Big Cypress National Preserve, federally protected land, and surrounded on three sides by Miccosukee and Seminole tribal infrastructure, including homes and ceremonial sites.
During a Friday appearance on Fox News, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hinted at Trump visiting the facility.
READ MORE: Environmentalists sue to block Alligator Alcatraz from opening in the Everglades
Last week, environmental groups sued in the hopes of getting an injunction to halt the ongoing construction on the site, which is intended to house at least 1,000 people rounded up in the Trump administration’s immigration raids.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has said it will be ready to receive migrants next week. Given that rapid timeline, the environmental groups also filed a separate motion asking the judge to issue a temporary restraining order against the government by Tuesday.
Miami Herald staff writer Alex Harris contributed to this report
This story was originally published June 29, 2025 at 7:36 PM.
