The ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center in Florida has closed, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. The facility, which was located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades, was shut down last month.
Background
The detention center was built by DeSantis’ administration in July 2025 to hold illegal immigrants. The facility faced criticism for its conditions, with detainees reporting poor physical conditions, including worms in the food, toilets that didn’t flush, and mosquitoes and other insects everywhere.
DeSantis said the center was always meant to be temporary until more permanent detention centers could be secured. The governor announced that the facility has fulfilled its purpose and now has zero detainees. The migrants held there remain in federal custody.
Reaction
Immigration advocates said the closure of the facility does nothing to stop the harm caused to people who spend months in custody as their families suffer. The Florida Immigrant Coalition said the only winners were corporations and contractors who profited millions of dollars as Republicans pushed an immigration emergency that does not exist.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced the county’s intent to sell the isolated Everglades airfield to the National Park Service once the facility was decommissioned. The mayor said the site will be returned to nature and conservation.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
