Read the full article on KETV 7
Florida will close “Alligator Alcatraz,” the state-run immigration detention camp in the Everglades, due to high operational costs. The New York Times reported that the Department of Homeland Security has determined the facility is too expensive to maintain, with some private vendors struggling to cover the costs of its operation. The detainment center, which housed migrants awaiting deportation, is expected to shut down in the coming weeks. Vendors were reportedly informed that detainees would be moved out by the start of June, and the camp would be dismantled shortly thereafter. Last month, the facility held approximately 1,400 detainees. It remains unclear where these individuals will be relocated. The facility first opened on July 1, 2025.Governor Ron DeSantis said last week that “Alligator Alcatraz” was a temporary solution and was not meant to be permanent. The DeSantis administration has been spending over $1 million daily to keep the facility running. Florida taxpayers have funded these costs, as the state has yet to receive more than $600 million in federal reimbursement it requested.
Florida will close “Alligator Alcatraz,” the state-run immigration detention camp in the Everglades, due to high operational costs.
The New York Times reported that the Department of Homeland Security has determined the facility is too expensive to maintain, with some private vendors struggling to cover the costs of its operation.
Advertisement
The detainment center, which housed migrants awaiting deportation, is expected to shut down in the coming weeks. Vendors were reportedly informed that detainees would be moved out by the start of June, and the camp would be dismantled shortly thereafter.
Last month, the facility held approximately 1,400 detainees. It remains unclear where these individuals will be relocated.
The facility first opened on July 1, 2025.
Governor Ron DeSantis said last week that “Alligator Alcatraz” was a temporary solution and was not meant to be permanent.
The DeSantis administration has been spending over $1 million daily to keep the facility running. Florida taxpayers have funded these costs, as the state has yet to receive more than $600 million in federal reimbursement it requested.
