Alligator Alcatraz detention center detainees transferred amid hurricane season concerns

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that all detainees at the South Florida Detention Center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” have been moved to other facilities because of hurricane‑season safety concerns. No exact number of detainees was given, but attorneys reported that roughly 50 clients were transferred to sites in South Florida, California, Arizona, Louisiana and Texas.

The center, opened on July 3 2025 in the Florida Everglades and built quickly by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration, was praised by former President Donald Trump but has been criticized for severe conditions – including contaminated food, non‑flushing toilets, flood‑prone floors and insects. ACLU attorney Amy Godshall said, “Transferring people out of this cruel facility is an important step, but it does not erase the harm that has already been done,” urging a permanent closure. Activists argue that the hurricane‑season rationale is a pretext, noting the facility was always intended to be temporary and has already processed about 22,000 detainees.

Separately, an investigation revealed that Florida still owes at least $603 million to 27 contractors for building and operating the detention center and a second “Deportation Depot” lockup. Major unpaid contracts include $122 million for portable toilets, $79 million to a detention‑center operator and $65 million to a security firm. The state’s emergency‑fund balance is low, raising concerns about the financial sustainability of the immigration crackdown.