The Archdiocese of Miami has celebrated its first Mass at Florida’s notorious immigrant detention centre, “Alligator Alcatraz,” deep in the Everglades.
On 2 August 2025, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski confirmed that “after months of dialogue” with Florida’s Catholic bishops, archdiocesan leadership, and state correctional authorities, an agreement had been reached granting chaplains and pastoral ministers “full access” to detainees and staff. The facility, formally situated at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, is estimated to hold 3,000 people, with plans for expansion to 5,000.
