Alaska’s proposal for a humorous “Bear Alcatraz” adds a satirical twist to the national immigration debate.
At a Glance
- Alaska humorously suggested a “Bear Alcatraz” concept for handling unauthorized migrants.
- The proposal mimics Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center.
- President Trump toured the Florida facility, which costs $450 million annually.
- Alaska clarified their suggestion was purely satirical and not a serious policy proposal.
Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz: A Controversial Reality
President Donald Trump recently toured the infamous “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida, a detention center set to house 5,000 detainees. Located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the facility is part of an aggressive agenda to curb illegal immigration. With a hefty annual price tag of $450 million, funded by FEMA’s Shelter and Services program, the center has drawn criticism for its harsh conditions and environmental impact.
Watch a report: President Trump on migrant detention center, ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s brainchild, the facility is surrounded by alligators and pythons, living up to its daring name. Trump’s visit coincided with the Senate’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which allocates $150 billion over four years for his ambitious deportation agenda. During his visit, Trump made several bold claims, including one about the cost of illegal immigrants to U.S. taxpayers, which remains under dispute.
Alaska’s Satirical Contribution
In a lighthearted jab at Florida’s facility, Alaska proposed a fantastical “Bear Alcatraz.” Steering clear of serious policy discussions, Alaskan officials joked about employing native bears as custodians of a detention center. The proposal was an imaginative nod to Alaska’s unique character, offering humor amidst hefty immigration discussions, without any intention to follow through with it.
“We don’t have alligators, but we have lots of bears” – the state of Alaska
Alaska suggests "bear Alcatraz" for migrants to be detained https://t.co/YUw63xYnYK
— AlertsUSA 🇺🇸 (@AlertsUSA) July 4, 2025
Instead of critiquing, Alaska’s witty suggestion points to the broader national debate on immigration and reflects the challenges faced by states trying to align with federal policies while considering their own resources and characteristics. Alaska clarified that there are no serious plans to construct such a facility, reassuring the public it’s all in jest.
Stephen Miller’s Call to Action
Amid these developments, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has urged Republican governors to cooperate with federal plans to construct more detention facilities. Emphasizing state cooperation, Miller’s appeal highlights the need for red states to participate in bolstering immigration enforcement, a move that’s seen both as an opportunity and a potential burden.
“Every governor of a red state, if you are watching tonight: Pick up the phone, call DHS, work with us to build facilities in your state so we can get the illegals and criminals out” – Stephen Miller
The call from the federal government for site recommendations is part of a broader approach to expand enforcement capabilities, with Alaska’s quip highlighting the ongoing debate over how to manage immigration effectively. Trump’s push for a larger deportation operation also suggests an intensification of efforts under his administration, sparking varied responses from state leaders.
