For those raising alarm over the Trump administration’s aggressive new deportation efforts — and the ominously nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in Florida — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has one question: Should a man who allegedly tried to eat himself be allowed to stay in America?
According to Noem, this isn’t a rhetorical scenario. During a visit to the newly opened detention center in Florida’s gator-infested swamplands, she told reporters about a disturbing encounter involving a self-mutilating migrant, which she claimed was emblematic of the dangers posed by lax immigration under President Joe Biden.
Speaking to Fox News, Noem recounted a conversation with U.S. Marshals working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
“They said they had detained a cannibal, put him on a plane to deport him, and while he was seated, he started eating himself. They had to remove him and get him emergency medical attention.”
“These are the kinds of deranged individuals who’ve ended up on our streets,” Noem continued. “They don’t belong here. They shouldn’t be walking past our kids or living near our families.”
While the Department of Homeland Security was unable to confirm specific details of the case, the story has ignited renewed debate over the Biden administration’s prior border policies and the Trump team’s efforts to reverse course.
Noem argued the new Florida facility — built to detain up to 3,000 migrants for expedited deportation — is essential to restoring order and safety. Dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its remote location 30 miles west of Miami, surrounded by swamps, alligators, and pythons, the site has already stirred national attention.
“This facility will allow us to detain and deport individuals immediately, without delays,” Noem said. “It sends a clear message: If you’re here illegally and you pose a threat, you won’t stay long.”
The deterrent value of such a site isn’t lost on Florida officials.
“If you don’t self-deport,” Noem warned, “you may end up here. And once you’re processed, you’ll be removed from this country and barred from returning.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis echoed her sentiment.
“Why risk going through ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ when you can just go home on your own?” he asked. “A lot of people will choose that option.”
DeSantis and Noem both expressed hope that other states will follow Florida’s lead.
“I hope governors across the country are calling us, saying, ‘How do we replicate this?’” Noem said. “We need this approach nationwide.”
While the alleged cannibal case remains unverified, the broader message from Noem and DeSantis is clear: The Trump administration is cracking down hard — not just on illegal entry, but on the types of individuals they claim were negligently allowed in during Biden’s term.
And with facilities like Alligator Alcatraz now open for business, officials say the clock is ticking for those who remain in the country unlawfully.
Kristi Noem tells a bizarre story about how marshals working with ICE detained a cannibal:
"They had detained a cannibal and put him on a plane to take him home. And while they had him in his seat, he started to eat himself. And they had to … get him medical attention." pic.twitter.com/CvsRX783Gr
— The Recount (@therecount) July 1, 2025