Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz Sparks Christian Debate over Compassion and Control
An evangelical group recently stated that Christians can demonstrate compassion while upholding the nation's laws and advocating for secure borders after a new detention facility, "Alligator Alcatraz," opened in Florida. Sharayah Colter, chief communications officer at The Danbury Institute, a nonpartisan association of Evangelical churches based in Dallas, Texas, says Christians in general and Evangelicals in particular "should support earnest efforts to secure the nation and to uphold law and order," The Christian Post.
She noted that women and children risk being raped, killed or taken into human trafficking ring when "non-citizens are lured to cross the border illegally" and "undertake a dangerous journey which they may not survive."
"People inside and outside of America are taught by the actions of the nation that our laws are impotent," she added. "It is wrong to convey to people that it is OK to break the law since Scripture calls people to obey the laws of the land so far as they do not cause a person to break God's law. When a nation passes laws, the righteous thing to do is to uphold and enforce those laws. To act otherwise is both wrong and cruel."
The facility has been met with criticism and protest over the detainment of illegal immigrants, environmental degradation, and the potential harm to the local tourism industry. However, Colter says that Christians can uphold the law while demonstrating compassion.
"Christians can love all people they encounter and work to share the Good News with all they encounter while still upholding the nation's laws, advocating for secure borders that protect innocent life, and desiring a safe immigration process for those willing to enter the nation through legal routes," she added.
President Donald Trump, along with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials, visited the detention center last week, and officials hope that similar facilities would open in other states. As reported by The Associated Press, the detention facility was built by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in just several days and received its first detainees this week.
The name "Alligator Alcatraz" was given in light of the alligator-filled swamps as well as pythons surrounding the facility. DeSantis also said that plans for another detention center for illegal migrants are already underway in northeast Florida at a National Guard training facility called Camp Blanding, about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville. He said that construction was expected to begin following the Fourth of July holiday.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Alon Skuy/Stringer
Originally published July 07, 2025.
