Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" shutting down permanently, sources say
Companies were told to begin full demobilization as the $1.2 billion detention center’s final detainees were transferred or deported, officials said.
- On Monday, state contractors began "full demobilization" of Florida's Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention center, quietly closing a $1.2 billion experiment once hailed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump as a model for other states.
- Escalating operational costs primarily drove the facility's closure, with total expenses projected to exceed $1 billion; Florida still owes vendors at least $600 million for work on the detention center and a second lockup in Baker County.
- Amnesty International previously deemed the facility's conditions a form of torture, citing reports of routine shackling, physical abuse by guards, and detainees confined in 2-by-2 foot cage-like structures exposed to elements for hours without sufficient water or food.
- The final detainees left the facility last week, either transferred to other centers or deported to third countries; Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated the site would return to its original use as a training airport.
- While the U.S. government agreed to a $608.4 million reimbursement grant for Florida's immigration activities, the funding remains tied up in legal challenges and other issues, leaving taxpayers to cover the remainder of the billion-dollar project.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Florida Empties ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Due to Hurricane Threat.
The “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention facility, built by Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in Florida, is set to close due to hurricane safety concerns and high operational costs.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: Florida officials have announced the closure of the “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center due to hurricane threats and high operational costs. DETAIL: The 3,000-bed facility in the Everglades was evacuated earlier this month as a precaut…
NEWS HEADLINES: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Reportedly To Begin Permanent Shut Down – 100PercentFedUp.com – by Danielle
Companies hired by the State of Florida to operate the migrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” received a notice on Monday to begin “full demobilization” of the facility. “All vendors got the notice,” one source said, according to CBS News. BREAKINGFlorida’s Alligator Alcatraz Shutting Down Permanently, sources tell @cbsmiami https://t.co/ru5BtG8l6p — Jim DeFede (@DeFede) June 22, 2026 CBS News has more: The announcement was made …
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Reportedly To Begin Permanent Shut Down – 100PercentFedUp.com – by Danielle
Companies hired by the State of Florida to operate the migrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” received a notice on Monday to begin “full demobilization” of the facility. “All vendors got the notice,” one source said, according to CBS News. BREAKINGFlorida’s Alligator Alcatraz Shutting Down Permanently, sources tell @cbsmiami https://t.co/ru5BtG8l6p — Jim DeFede (@DeFede) June 22, 2026 CBS News has more: The announcement was made…
Florida Phoenix
Orlando WeeklyWhat comes after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’? Uthmeier hopes for a protected environmental area
Attorney General James Uthmeier has big environmental plans for the lot occupied by the soon-to-be shuttered 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility. (Photo by Don Kruse for the Florida Phoenix)Although Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the mind behind the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration lockup, doesn’t know whether the facility is shutting down for good, he hopes the former airport will become a protected environmental spot. “Now that t…
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