Florida's detention camp in the Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," is built on a simple premise: deterrence, with state and federal officials urging migrants to self-deport rather than end up behind its walls.

Over 250 people gathered in the beating sun July 19 to protest what could become Florida’s next immigration detention center. Protesters gathered across a nearly mile-long stretch across the road from Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in a heat index near 105 degrees.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claims that the newly opened “Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has “zero impact" on the Everglades and restoration efforts. However, environmental groups and experts say the facility's operation poses myriad concerns.