Florida's "Aligator Alcatraz" blueprint to fast-track migrant deportations

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U.S. President Donald Trump was in Florida visiting a newly built migrant detention centre dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," calling it a blueprint to fast-track his mass deportation efforts.

Deep in the Florida Everglades, tonight President Trump says this massive migrant detention camp built in just eight days has an unusual deterrent to prevent any escapes.

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. President: "Don't run in a straight line. Run like this."

He calls it "Alligator Alcatraz." 

It was meant more as a joke but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.

With gators clearly visible outside, NBC News getting a first look inside.

The partnership with the state has been great.

Acting ICE director Todd Lyons telling us the goal is to keep detainees here no longer than two weeks where they can appear before a judge and be deported from the camp's existing runway.

GABE GUTIERREZ, NBC News: "How would you respond to critics who think this is not where immigrants should be housed?"

TODD LYONS, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement: "What I would say is that obviously individuals who come here to enjoy the American dream should think about returning on their own so they are not in a detained setting, right?"

President Trump was elected pledging to deport the record number of migrants who crossed into the U.S. under President Biden.

I ran on the issue of illegals and we have to get them out.

According to data reviewed by NBC News, almost half of those currently in ICE custody have neither been convicted of nor charged with a crime.

Reporter: "Is the administration still going after the worst of the worst?"

ICE acting director: "We are."

The administration stresses the priority is violent criminals but anyone who is here illegally is breaking the law.

ICE acting director: "Through the course of our law enforcement investigation, we do come across people who are just here illegally. We will no longer turn a blind eye to that."

Still, environmental groups are suing.

Protester: "Get the hell out of our Everglades."

While Trump supporters are cheering this detention centre.

Protester: "I think it's great. Get the {bleep} out of here."

The Department of Homeland Security said this centre will be paid for by FEMA funds the Biden administration previously used to house migrants including in New York City.

Nationwide ICE's detention spaces at 140 percent capacity. So the President says this centre could be a blueprint for other states.