Migrants would need to know ‘how to run away from an alligator’, says Trump

US President Donald Trump toured a new immigration detention centre on Tuesday surrounded by alligator-filled swamps in the Florida Everglades, suggesting it could be a model for future lockups nationwide.

His comments come as his administration races to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.

Mr Trump said he would like to see similar centres in “really, many states” and raised the prospect of also deporting US citizens.

He endorsed having Florida National Guard forces serve as immigration judges to ensure migrants are ejected from the country faster, despite the dubious constitutional implications of doing so.

“Pretty soon, this facility will handle the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet,” Mr Trump said of the Florida site known as Alligator Alcatraz.

He added: “The only way out, really, is deportation.”

Hundreds of protesters converged outside the site — a remote airstrip with tents and trailers. They waved signs calling for the humane treatment of migrants as well as the protection of the expansive preserve that is home to a few indigenous tribes and many endangered animal species.

The White House has delighted in the area’s remoteness — about 50 miles (80km) west of Miami — and the fact that it is teeming with pythons and alligators. It hopes to convey a message to detainees and the rest of the world that repercussions will be severe if the immigration laws of the United States are not followed.

Before arriving, Mr Trump joked about migrants being held there, saying: “We’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison.”

“Don’t run in a straight line. Run like this,” Mr Trump said, as he moved his hand in a zigzag motion.

“And you know what? Your chances go up about 1%.”

Alligator experts suggest it is better to dash in one direction in the rare situation when the reptile gives chase, according to a website run by the University of Florida.

Authorities originally suggested the centre could house up to 5,000 detainees upon completion, but Florida governor Ron DeSantis said it would actually hold around 3,000, with some starting to arrive Wednesday.

The centre was built in eight days over 10 miles (16km) of Everglades. It features more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet (8,500 metres) of barbed wire and 400 security personnel.

Mr Trump dismissed concerns from critics, particularly the argument of the potential impact on a delicate ecosystem. He said there was already an airstrip in the area, which meant authorities would not be “dropping dirt”.

“Frankly, it’s, like, perfect,” Mr Trump said.

“I don’t think you’re doing anything to the Everglades. You’re just enhancing it.”

Crackdowns on the US-Mexico border and harsh immigration policies have long been a centrepiece of Mr Trump’s political brand for years.

Mr Trump also mused on Tuesday about deporting dangerous people born in the United States, like ones who “knife you when you’re walking down the street” or who kill people from behind with a baseball bat.

“They’re not new to our country. They’re old to our country. Many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here, too,” Mr Trump said.

“So maybe that’ll be the next job that we’ll work on together.”