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The Lament of Alligator Alcatraz

 

TL;DR:

Florida's new "Alligator Alcatraz" facility has begun housing its first group of migrants, drawing significant criticism for its remote, harsh conditions. Jesus, who welcomed the stranger and cared for the vulnerable, would condemn such a system that prioritizes deterrence and punishment over compassion and dignity.

 

What's Happening

The state of Florida has opened a new, controversial immigration detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by critics, located deep within the Everglades. On July 3, 2025, the facility received its first group of detained migrants. This remote location, chosen for its isolation and natural barriers like swamps and alligators, is intended to deter illegal immigration. The move has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and immigrant advocates who argue that the facility's harsh conditions and isolated location are inhumane and punitive, rather than a just response to complex immigration issues. The facility's existence and the policy it represents are seen by many as a symbol of increasingly restrictive and severe approaches to immigration in the United States.

 

Cited

https://www.telesurtv.net/llegan-a-alligator-alcatraz-migrantes/

https://www.telesurenglish.net/alligator-alcatraz-takes-in-its-first-group-of-detained-migrants/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/florida-donald-trump-republican-people-ron-desantis-b2782142.html

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/07/03/first-immigration-detainees-arrive-at-florida-center-in-the-everglades

https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/03/alligator-alcatraz-detainees/

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detainees/2025/07/03/id/1217504/

https://wltreport.com/2025/07/03/alligator-alcatraz-houses-first-detainees/

 

What Would Jesus Do? (maybe)*

Jesus would undoubtedly look upon the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility with profound sorrow and a call for radical compassion. His teachings consistently emphasize welcoming the stranger, caring for the vulnerable, and showing mercy. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus says, “'For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ The King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Building a facility designed to be isolating and punitive for those seeking refuge directly contradicts this foundational principle of Christian love. Instead of creating barriers and increasing suffering, Jesus would advocate for systems that offer genuine hospitality, uphold the dignity of every individual, and address the root causes of migration with empathy and justice, rather than fear and deterrence.

 

All WWJD.today summaries are generated by AI and based on the Christian Standard Bible second edition and select theological texts.