NewsWPLG Local 10June 25, 2026United States
Florida Closes 'Alligator Alcatraz' Immigration Detention Center
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the permanent closure of the temporary immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The facility, which opened in July 2025, has been transferred to federal oversight, with all detainees relocated to other sites across the U.S.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The closure ends the operation of a controversial temporary detention site that processed 21,000 deportations, while ongoing litigation regarding the facility's environmental impact and permitting remains active.
Key Facts
- The 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades has officially closed.
- The facility opened in July 2025 as a temporary measure to address detention capacity gaps.
- Governor DeSantis reported that 21,000 people were deported through the facility during its operation.
- All detainees were relocated to other facilities in South Florida, California, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas earlier in June 2025.
- The facility was initially closed temporarily in June 2025 due to safety concerns regarding hurricane season.
- The Everglades airstrip where the facility was located will remain in use.
- Environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, have active lawsuits against the state regarding the facility's lack of permits and environmental impact reviews.
- Detainees reported poor conditions including insect infestations, plumbing failures, and limited access to legal counsel and medical care.
Who's Mentioned
personTom Homan“White House border czar who attended the announcement.”organizationFlorida Immigrant Coalition“Advocacy group critical of the facility's operations.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who announced the closure of the facility.”organizationFriends of the Everglades“Environmental group suing over the facility's impact.”organizationCenter for Biological Diversity“Environmental group suing over the facility's impact.”personPaul J. Schwiep“Attorney for Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity.”personDonald Trump“President who supported the facility's mission.”