Alligator Alcatraz
Coverage of Alligator Alcatraz in the Nexus archive.
- Families raise concerns about conditions inside downtown Miami federal detention facility
Families of immigrants detained at the Federal Detention Facility in downtown Miami report poor conditions, including lack of air conditioning, detainees drinking water from sinks, and cockroach infestations. The facility, which houses over 1,300 inmates, has had ongoing air conditioning issues for years, with a portable chiller in use for three years. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Prisons provided limited responses to the concerns.
- Miccosukee Tribe wants ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ — but Miami doesn’t have the land back
The Miccosukee Tribe seeks to conserve the 'Alligator Alcatraz' site in the Everglades, but Miami-Dade County cannot transfer the land as it remains under state control. The DeSantis administration seized the land last summer, delaying the county's plans to sell or transfer it for environmental protection.
- DeSantis restores emergency fund used to pay for ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ disasters
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill restoring Florida's Emergency Response and Preparedness Fund, which covers costs for disasters and immigration-related expenses like the Everglades immigrant detention center. The fund, previously expired in February, now includes restrictions on purchasing certain vehicles and requires legislative review for emergency declarations, except for 'manmade or technological emergencies' like immigration.
- This Week in South Florida: Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava discussed plans to transfer the decommissioned Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility site to the National Park Service and to take the Fisher Island fuel depot by eminent domain during her interview on This Week in South Florida with host Glenna Milberg.
- News Wrap: NPS official claims Reflecting Pool liner cut
A National Park Service official stated the Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a knife or razor. A federal judge halted President Trump's executive order on regulating mail-in voting and creating a federal voter list. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.'
- Trump's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center closes after a year of controversy
Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center, associated with US President Donald Trump's deportation drive, has closed after less than a year of operation. Officials stated it fulfilled its emergency role despite criticism regarding detainees' conditions and due process.
- Florida governor shutters ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the South Florida migrant detention center 'Alligator Alcatraz,' which was established in the Everglades to detain criminal immigrants. The facility, criticized by environmentalists and civil rights advocates, deported 21,000 detainees over a year, according to DeSantis, who claimed it prevented dangerous individuals from being released.
- Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' is closing after nearly a year of holding thousands of immigrant detainees, governor says
Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is closing after nearly a year of holding thousands of immigrant detainees, as announced by the governor.
- DeSantis boasts of deporting 21,000 as notorious Alligator Alcatraz jail closes
Florida immigration jail known as Alligator Alcatraz, which operated for a year at a cost of $1.2 million daily and was linked to cruelty and environmental harm, has closed. Governor Ron DeSantis claimed credit for deporting 21,000 people from the facility and presented its closure as a success for immigration enforcement.
- ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention centre has closed, Florida governor DeSantis says
The 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center in Florida, which faced criticism for its conditions, has closed after nearly a year, according to Governor Ron DeSantis, who stated it was temporary until permanent facilities were secured.
- DeSantis hails ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as victory while confirming its shutdown
Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the state-run Everglades immigration detention facility 'Alligator Alcatraz,' which processed nearly 21,000 migrants during its under-a-year operation. While DeSantis praised the facility as a success, critics highlighted financial overruns and disorganization, with costs estimated up to $1.7 billion. The facility's closure follows environmental and legal concerns, with plans to repurpose the site as a pilot training airport.
- Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center has closed, governor says
Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center, criticized for poor conditions including inadequate sanitation and food, has closed after nearly a year, as stated by Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, a Republican, claimed the facility was temporary until permanent centers were secured, while immigration advocates argued it was inhumane and served corporate interests. The center, built in 2025, facilitated the deportation of 21,000 individuals, with detainees reporting issues like inaccessible legal resources and flooded floors.
- Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center is closing, governor says
Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center, built in the Everglades in 2025, has closed after nearly a year of operation due to safety concerns during hurricane season. Governor Ron DeSantis stated the facility served its purpose in facilitating deportations, while immigration advocates criticized its inhumane conditions and corporate profiteering.
- DeSantis to appear at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ site for news conference
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference at the decommissioned 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention facility. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced plans to sell the site to conservation partners for Everglades restoration after the facility's closure.
- Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' set to close permanently
The Florida-funded and operated migrant detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' is one step closer to closing permanently. The facility, referred to as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' is set to shut down.
- Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' set to close permanently
The Florida-funded and operated migrant detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' is set to close permanently. The facility is one step closer to its permanent closure.
- Vendors Told to Start Dismantling Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
Vendors are instructed to dismantle Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center, which has cost state officials over $1 million per day to operate.
- What comes after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’? Uthmeier hopes for a protected environmental area
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier aims to convert the shuttered 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration facility into a protected environmental area for the Everglades. The facility, facing environmental lawsuits, is closing, with detainees transferred or deported. Environmental groups remain skeptical of Uthmeier's commitment despite his stated plans.
- ‘Ask ICE what’s changed’: Florida emergency director reacts to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ relocations
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie questioned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's decision to relocate detainees from the 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility, citing hurricane preparedness concerns. Guthrie stated the facility's structures could withstand Category 1 hurricane winds and emphasized the site's temporary nature, though he acknowledged uncertainty about future detainee transfers.
- Detainees Moved Out of Alligator Alcatraz, ICE Confirms
Inmates have been moved out of Alligator Alcatraz, the Everglades migrant detention site, the Trump administration confirmed. The administration stated the move was to ensure safety during hurricane season, while environmental groups seeking litigation over the site demand more transparency.
- All detainees from immigration facility 'Alligator Alcatraz' have been transferred
All detainees at the Florida Everglades detention center, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' have been transferred to other facilities due to concerns related to the hurricane season, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
- DHS moves all detainees out of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane concerns
The Department of Homeland Security has transferred all detainees from the Florida Everglades migrant detention center 'Alligator Alcatraz' to other facilities due to hurricane season concerns. The facility, criticized for harsh conditions and mistreatment, has processed over 20,000 detainees since its 2025 opening, with advocates suggesting the transfer is an excuse for other reasons.
- ‘Seems to be business as usual’: Activity continues at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ after detainees moved
Activity continues at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention facility in Florida's Everglades after detainees were moved for hurricane safety, with vehicles and supplies still entering the site. Environmental groups criticize the facility's operation on public land, while Florida taxpayers have spent $1.2 million daily, with $58.2 million already reimbursed by FEMA.
- ICE empties ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane season. Activists aren’t buying it.
ICE has relocated detainees from the 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility in the Everglades, citing hurricane season safety concerns, but advocacy groups dispute this explanation, alleging a lack of transparency and ongoing operations. Environmental organizations, including Friends of the Everglades, continue legal challenges against the facility, arguing it violates environmental laws, though a court previously ruled it exempt from federal regulations.
- Even as Florida moves detainees from ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, activists fight for its permanent closure
Detainees have been moved from Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration jail, but environmental groups continue to push for its permanent closure and Everglades wetlands restoration. The Department of Homeland Security cited hurricane season safety concerns for the transfer.
- ICE moves 'Alligator Alcatraz' detainees ahead of hurricane season
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has relocated detainees from a Florida detention site nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz' due to hurricane preparedness concerns. The move, part of Florida's hurricane season (June 1–November 30), aims to ensure detainee safety amid potential severe weather impacts. ICE did not disclose the number of detainees or their new locations.
- Florida still owes $603 million on immigration enforcement contracts
Florida still owes $603 million to 27 companies for immigration enforcement contracts, including detention facilities and migrant crackdown efforts. The total obligations range between $991 million and $1.01 billion, with unpaid bills including $122 million to a portable toilet company and $79 million to a detention center operator. The DeSantis administration's emergency managers have spent over $500 million on related costs.
- Detainees moved out of "Alligator Alcatraz" over hurricane concerns, ICE says
ICE has relocated detainees from a soft-sided detention center in the Florida Everglades called 'Alligator Alcatraz' due to hurricane season safety concerns, according to a spokesperson.
- ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees relocated, ICE announces
Detainees from Florida’s 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration jail have been relocated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officials have not disclosed the number of detainees moved or their new locations. The facility, criticized for harsh conditions and praised by Donald Trump, is expected to close.
- All ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees transferred due to hurricane season, ICE says
All detainees at the Everglades detention facility, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' have been transferred to other locations due to hurricane season, according to ICE. The facility, described as 'soft-sided,' has been emptied, though the destinations of the detainees remain unclear.
- All detainees moved out of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
All detainees have been moved from the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility in the Everglades due to hurricane season precautions. A DHS spokesperson cited the facility's 'soft structure' as a risk during storms, and migrants have been transferred to other facilities, though relocation locations remain unclear.
- Untreated Cancer, Festering Infections: Immigrant Detainees Detail Medical Care Lapses
Hundreds of immigrant detainees across 33 states reported inadequate medical care in court filings, including untreated cancers, infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes and HIV. Detainees described delayed or denied medications, unaddressed medical emergencies, and facilities such as 'Alligator Alcatraz' lacking proper oversight.
- ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees say guards deny them food and clean water until they sign English documents
Detainees at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration jail reported being denied food and clean water until they signed English documents they didn’t understand. They claimed the provided water was rotten and contained mosquito larvae, according to an audio recording shared with the Guardian.
- ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees say guards deny them food and clean water until they sign English documents
Detainees at Florida’s 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration jail claim guards denied them food and 'rotten' water containing mosquito larvae until they signed English documents they did not understand. Over half a dozen detainees alleged this treatment was used to pressure them into signing paperwork in a language they could not comprehend.
- The Alligator Alcatraz Boondoggle
The Alligator Alcatraz, an immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, was built in 2025 by Florida for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Operated by private corporations, it has cost Florida over half a billion dollars after federal funding was delayed by an environmental lawsuit, with most detainees being non-criminal immigrants awaiting immigration proceedings.
- Activists keep track of Alligator Alcatraz traffic in hopes of signs of a shutdown
Activists, including Jessica Namath of Floridians for Public Lands, are monitoring increased traffic at Alligator Alcatraz, a state-federal immigration detention facility in the Everglades, in hopes of a potential shutdown. The facility, which opened in July 2023, remains operational despite criticism over environmental and fiscal concerns.
- ‘Why a Cuban family?’: Trump singles out South Florida man once detained at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
President Donald Trump highlighted Justo Bentancourt, a Cuban national recently released from the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility, praising his daughter for securing his freedom. Arianne Bentancourt expressed confusion over the attention, suggesting it may relate to the political climate around Cuba and the Cuban vote. The facility, set to close, faces calls for an investigation into its operations.
- Will Alligator Alcatraz shut down Monday?
Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center may shut down by Monday, nearly a year after opening. Vendors confirm operations could end due to high costs from Florida’s emergency fund, and detainee numbers are declining. Political figures criticize the facility as a 'failed project of human suffering,' while Governor Ron DeSantis defends it despite reports of federal closure.
- DeSantis addresses immigration enforcement, property taxes during stop in Davie
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed immigration enforcement at the Everglades Detention Center, referred to as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' and promoted his 'Save Our Homes' property tax plan during a stop in Davie. He stated the detention facility is not intended to be permanent and criticized Biden administration immigration policies. Lawmakers are set to begin a special session on the property tax issue.
- Trump admin pays Florida first $58 million in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ reimbursements, state says
The Trump administration has paid Florida $58 million for operating the Everglades immigrant detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' the first of $608 million in federal reimbursements. The payment, approved by FEMA under its Detention Support Grant Program, covers operational costs such as staff salaries, meals, and medical supplies, but not construction expenses. Florida has spent $460 million on the facility so far, with total costs expected to reach $1 billion.