The Department of Homeland Security has transferred all detainees from the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention center in Florida to other facilities, citing concerns about the upcoming hurricane season. The facility, which has been criticized for its harsh conditions and mistreatment of detainees, was constructed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to support President Donald Trump’s plan to mass detain and deport migrants.

Background

The detention center, which is surrounded by alligator-filled swamps in the Florida Everglades, has processed and deported over 20,000 migrants since its opening in July 2025. However, the facility has been plagued by reports of poor physical conditions, including worms in the food, toilets that do not flush, and floors flooding with fecal waste.

Immigration advocates and lawyers have questioned the timing of the transfer, suggesting that the hurricane season is just an excuse and not the real reason why the detainees have been transferred. They point out that the facility was opened in the middle of the worst part of hurricane season last year, and that the transfers may be a response to criticism of the facility’s conditions.

Amy Godshall, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, stated that ‘transferring people out of this cruel facility is an important step, but it does not erase the harm that has already been done.’ She called for the state and federal government to permanently close the facility and commit to never detaining people there again.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.