A newly constructed detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," has opened in the Florida Everglades amid political backlash and human rights concerns. The facility, built to house thousands, has already received its first batch of immigrants arrested under the 287(g) program.

Uthmeier is running in 2026 to keep the job he was appointed to and have some wondering whether he’d face a challenge from other Florida Republicans.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who first suggested building the $450 million-per-year facility at a small airport in the middle of the Everglades, garnered praise from conservative leaders around the country for the project.