The Global Story, The Global Story, The President’s Path: Inside ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

The Global Story

The Global Story

The President’s Path: Inside ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

July 4, 2025

25 minutes

Available for over a year

We follow President Trump as he visits the new Florida detention centre dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, where around 3,000 migrants are expected to be held as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration. The Trump administration says alligators, crocodiles, and pythons in the surrounding wetlands will keep detainees from escaping — but concerns have been raised about conditions, with the area prone to severe heat and flooding. President Trump says it will hold the most "menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet."

On this episode of The President's Path, Caitríona Perry and Sumi Somaskanda speak to Bernd Debusmann Jr., who was with Donald Trump when he visited the new Florida detention centre, where around 3,000 migrants are expected to be held as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration.

Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]

Producer: Stefano Fasano

Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas