Could South Carolina start its own ‘Alligator Alcatraz?’

SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA) — Governor Henry McMaster and Lt. Governor Pamela Evette have recently appeared open to creating a facility similar to “Alligator Alcatraz” in South Carolina.

The migrant detention center, which is funded by federal dollars, opened in July in Florida’s Everglades.

President Donald Trump has already toured the facility with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

She said on Saturday that she has spoken with other governors to create similar facilities.

“I will tell you, they are all Republicans, so I would challenge some Democrats to start taking care of your states and 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.

Lt. Gov. Evette recently shared a comment on X, hinting at South Carolina’s potential to open a detention center for illegal immigrants.

“Palmetto Pen sounds like a good place to start. 😏,” Evette wrote.

The comment was made just two days before Evette officially announced her campaign for governor.

During her campaign event, Evette emphasized her solidarity with the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

“I will assure cooperation with President Trump’s immigration enforcement and make sure not one square inch of South Carolina becomes a sanctuary for illegals,” she said.

7NEWS reached out to Gov. McMaster regarding his thoughts on South Carolina’s potential to open a detention center for migrants.

“Governor McMaster has directed state officials to continue exploring how the Palmetto State’s unique assets and resources can be utilized to provide additional and enhanced support in the weeks and months to come,” a spokesperson for McMaster said.

McMaster also serves as the chairman of Trump’s Homeland Security Advisory Council.