In a recent interview with NewsNation's Chris Cuomo, Tom Homan, the Border czar, highlighted the significant financial burden that illegal migrants have placed on taxpayers under the Biden administration.
This discussion was prompted by the controversy surrounding the cost of the newly established "Alligator Alcatraz" facility in Florida.
According to the Daily Caller, the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility, which was recently toured by President Donald Trump and his administration officials, is located in southern Florida. The facility, designed to house illegal migrants and other foreign nationals in detention, is expected to cost $450 million for 5,000 beds. Homan, when questioned about the project's cost, drew a comparison with the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration.
Homan stated, "Well, let's compare it to the last administration, OK? They're putting illegal aliens in hotel rooms in New York City for like 500 bucks a night. Thats a fact." He further elaborated on the expenses associated with this approach, including food, medical care, and attorney access, which significantly increased the cost beyond the initial $500 per night.
Under the Biden administration, the influx of illegal migrants has led to a border crisis, prompting the president to allocate millions to states and cities grappling with the issue. In August 2024, the Department of Homeland Security approved over $380 million for FEMA's Shelter and Services Program (SSP) in communities nationwide. This followed nearly $260 million in SSP grants distributed in April 2024 and over $780 million in 2023 allocated to SSP and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
Homan further highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility, stating, "I can tell you the beds here are just under 300, is what I was briefed on. That includes three meals a day, full medical doctors and nurses on site." He also pointed out the strategic advantage of having an airstrip at the facility, which would streamline transportation and increase efficiency.
The Biden administration's use of sanctuary cities to house illegal migrants has been another point of contention. For instance, New York City spent $1.45 billion on migrants in the fiscal year 2023. However, by 2024, Democrat New York City Mayor Eric Adams began to tighten control over the city's migrant shelters, citing a $12 billion deficit.
Homan emphasized the benefits of having an airstrip at the Florida facility, stating, "So its actually a cost savings on the beds compared to [the] last administration. Its an extreme cost savings on transportation because you got an airstrip right there that can serve the entire East Coast."
Since Trump's return to office, his administration has been proactive in addressing illegal migration and conducting mass deportations. Data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reveals that officials have made over 20,000 arrests in the 2025 fiscal year alone.
This approach underscores the administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting national security, and ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
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