Florida’s controversial immigration detention center known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ has closed after nearly one year of operation, with Governor Ron DeSantis announcing the shutdown while crediting the facility with processing 21,000 deportations and declaring the mission made Florida safer.

Facility Closes After Harsh Criticism

Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed Thursday that the remote Everglades detention center built by his administration has ceased operations. The Republican governor held a news conference at the facility alongside White House border czar Tom Homan, who emphasized that Florida’s partnership with federal immigration enforcement will continue despite the closure. The detention center, constructed in a matter of days around an Everglades airstrip, featured large white tents with rows of bunk beds surrounded by chain-link cages.

Detainees reported harsh conditions including air conditioning that would shut off abruptly in sweltering heat, going days without showers, and lacking access to prescription medications. Despite these conditions, DeSantis maintained the facility served a critical role in Republican efforts to remove people in the country illegally. The governor stated his hope that federal authorities can now handle deportation operations without state assistance.

Sudden Transfers Spark Concern

Lawyers representing immigrants detained at the facility reported their clients suddenly began transfers to other detention centers across South Florida, California, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas earlier this month. Attorneys and family members remained uninformed of detainee locations for approximately one week before receiving notification. The Florida Immigrant Coalition criticized the closure, arguing that corporations and contractors profited millions of dollars while families suffered during months-long custody periods. The advocacy group characterized the immigration emergency cited by Republicans as nonexistent.

Environmental and Legal Battles Continue

Environmental organizations filed lawsuits against the detention center, alleging Florida officials never obtained proper permits or conducted required environmental impact reviews. Attorney Paul Schwiep, representing Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, stated the administration cannot escape accountability despite closing the site. He pledged to pursue court action ensuring full remediation of environmental damage caused by construction and operation of the facility. The Everglades airstrip around which the center was built will remain operational according to DeSantis.