Lawmakers visit ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention centers could pop up around the country.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says she’s in talks with five Republican governors to open similar facilities in their states, even as Democratic lawmakers raise concerns about the conditions.

“It needs to be shut down,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).

As Democrats criticize the facility the Trump administration is touting it as a major success.

Alligator Alcatraz is being run by the state of Florida and funded with federal dollars. Secretary Noem says it could be a model for new immigration detention centers. She says she’s talking to five governors about opening up similar facilities in their states.

“I will tell you, they are all Republicans so I would challenge some Democrats to start taking care of your states, partner with us in a way to make your community safer,” said Noem.

Secretary Noem wouldn’t share which states she’s talking to, but she says new facilities would be very helpful as the Trump administration tries to ramp up deportation efforts.

“As you all know, we need to double our capacity in detention beds because we need to facilitate getting people out of this country as fast as possible,” said Noem.

Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost toured the detention center over the weekend and says he was horrified by what he saw.

“It’s all a cruel stunt. Cruelty isn’t just the point, it’s the strategy in this,” said Frost.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz described unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including unbearable heat and bug infestations.

“There are really disturbing, vile conditions,” she said.

Secretary Noem disputed that saying the facility is held to high federal standards.

“Any issues that were there have been addressed,” said Noem.