'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center closing less than 1 year after it opened
Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center less than a year after it opened. The facility faced lawsuits and criticism over poor conditions and was created as a temporary solution to hold detainees while other facilities were prepared.Key Facts
- The detention center opened in July 2025 in the Florida Everglades and was nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz."
- It was built to help with immigration detention during President Donald Trump's administration.
- Lawsuits and complaints cited poor living conditions, including lack of medical care, crowded tents, insect infestations, and extreme heat.
- Environmental concerns were raised over the damage the facility caused to the Everglades ecosystem.
- The center held over 20,000 detainees before closing; detainees have now been moved elsewhere.
- The facility cost about $450 million per year to operate, with some costs expected to be reimbursed by the federal government.
- Florida officials plan to receive federal reimbursement, and White House Border Czar Tom Homan promised to ensure this happens.
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which sued over detainees’ access to legal counsel, welcomed the facility’s closure.
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