Call for inquiry into Alligator Alcatraz’s ‘abuse of Everglades’ despite closure

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center in the Everglades. The facility, which opened less than a year ago, faced significant criticism regarding its conditions. DeSantis stated the center was always intended as a temporary measure until more permanent federal detention facilities became available, which he claims has now occurred. The center had previously undergone a temporary closure in June due to hurricane season safety concerns. Immigration advocates had raised issues about the facility's safety and humane conditions, with detainees reporting difficulties accessing legal counsel and poor living conditions, including sanitation problems and insect infestations.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center, located in the Everglades. DeSantis stated the facility, built by his administration in 2025, was always intended to be temporary, serving its purpose for nearly a year until federal officials had sufficient permanent detention capacity. The center had faced significant criticism from immigration advocates and detainees regarding inhumane conditions, including sanitation issues and lack of access to legal counsel. Earlier in June, detainees were moved to other facilities due to hurricane season safety concerns. The governor highlighted that 21,000 individuals were deported through the center, asserting it made Florida safer. The airstrip itself will continue to be utilized.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the immigration jail known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Everglades, boasting that 21,000 people were deported from the facility during its year-long operation. DeSantis presented the jail's closure as a success for aggressive immigration enforcement, stating it made Florida and the country safer by holding individuals who would otherwise have been released. Critics, however, condemned the jail for alleged cruelty, human rights abuses, and environmental damage, and noted its significant cost to taxpayers. DeSantis claimed most detainees were criminals, while evidence suggested many lacked criminal records. The facility's environmental impact is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit.