Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial immigration detention center located in the heart of the Florida Everglades, could be shuttered soon despite being open for less than a year, according to a new report. The facility, which costs Florida Governor Ron DeSantis more than $1 million per day to operate, has been the subject of discussions between the Trump administration and Florida officials regarding its potential closure, the New York Times reported Thursday.
High Costs and Controversy
The detention center holds more than 1,300 male detainees. Former President Donald Trump once described it as a place for "the most vicious people on the planet," but official data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) classifies most detainees as non-criminals. The facility has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists concerned about its impact on the Everglades and from immigration advocates who allege inhumane conditions and nightmarish living standards for detainees.
A DHS spokesperson denied that the federal government is "pressuring the state to cease operations at Alligator Alcatraz," adding that "Florida continues to be a valuable partner in advancing President Trump's immigration agenda, and DHS appreciates their support." The spokesperson also stated, "DHS continuously evaluates detention needs and requirements to ensure they meet the latest operational requirements."
Financial Strains and Legal Battles
Alligator Alcatraz, managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, became the first state-run detention center when it opened last year to alleviate pressure on other holding facilities amid Trump's immigration crackdown. The federal government was supposed to reimburse Florida for operating costs, but the state has reportedly not received the $608 million it requested. A DHS spokesperson noted, "Regarding reimbursement, DHS reviews reimbursement requests for grant funding to ensure costs are allowable and validated expenses that are eligible for reimbursement prior to releasing funding."
In addition to financial challenges, officials have faced legal hurdles to keep the facility open. Environmental groups sued last year, seeking a temporary closure for environmental reviews. Although a lower court granted a preliminary injunction, an appeals court overturned it.
Reactions and Future Prospects
Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, which sued over Alligator Alcatraz, welcomed the potential closure. "This dark chapter in Everglades history can't end soon enough. Until then, we're not taking our foot off the gas — we're headed back to federal district court with more strong claims to bring. The only acceptable remedy is shutting down Alligator Alcatraz and full remediation of the harm inflicted," she said in a statement.
The Independent has reached out to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for comment. The facility's remote location and notorious reputation had made it a symbol of Trump's deportation agenda, but less than a year after its opening, DHS officials reportedly consider it ineffective.
