'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center was meant to be temporary: DeSantis
Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the immigration detention center nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" was always planned to be temporary. The center, which has held and deported 22,000 people since last summer, may close if the Department of Homeland Security decides it can house detainees elsewhere.Key Facts
- The detention center is located in the Florida Everglades and is called "Alligator Alcatraz."
- It started operating last summer and has processed 22,000 detainees.
- Governor DeSantis confirmed the center was intended to be temporary from the start.
- Discussions about closing the facility began after a new DHS secretary, Markwayne Mullin, took office in March 2026.
- DHS has not officially asked for the center to close and confirmed cooperation with Florida on immigration.
- The facility costs Florida over $1 million per day to operate, and the state has requested $608 million in federal reimbursement.
- Detainees are separated based on criminal history and flight risk.
- A detainee handbook states that talking or moving during head counts results in punishment, including lockdown of the entire dorm.
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