Florida Division of Emergency Management

Florida's emergency fund spent $564 million (63%) on immigration enforcement in the fiscal year 2025-2026, exceeding all other emergency missions combined. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, originally intended for disasters, was redirected for immigration efforts, including facilities like 'Alligator Alcatraz' and 'Deportation Depot.'

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promoted his property tax relief plan and immigration enforcement measures during a visit to Davie. The property tax proposal will be discussed in a legislative special session starting Monday, with potential for a November ballot measure. DeSantis highlighted reduced property taxes for middle-class residents and praised Florida's immigration enforcement, referencing a detention facility that a vendor claims will close soon, though DeSantis denied ordering its closure.

A lawsuit claims Florida's Everglades immigrant detention center, dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz,' is emitting hundreds of tons of toxic gases annually without a required air quality permit. The Center for Biological Diversity alleges violations of the Clean Air Act, citing an environmental assessment showing the facility's diesel generators and lighting towers could emit over 509 tons of carbon monoxide and 204 tons of nitrogen oxides yearly.

Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost observed signs that the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center is closing, with detainees being relocated and staff and offices being emptied. The facility, which cost an estimated $1 billion, was intended to be temporary and is expected to shut down by June, though officials deny formal communications about the closure. Florida awaits a $608 million reimbursement from FEMA.