Florida Governor DeSantis Announces Closure of Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center

The immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” built in July 2025 on an abandoned airstrip in the Florida Everglades, has been permanently shut down. Governor Ron DeSantis announced on June 25 2026 that the site, which processed roughly 21,000 deportations, now has zero detainees and is being demobilized. Vendors received notice to begin dismantling tents, fences, trailers and other structures, and a “demobilization” clause in the contract will trigger compensation for the shutdown.

Officials said the closure was prompted by hurricane‑season safety concerns, but also reflected the facility’s original designation as a temporary solution. The center, criticized for inhumane conditions—including wastewater‑covered floors, overcrowding and limited legal access—faced numerous lawsuits and environmental challenges. Its operating cost has been estimated at $1 billion to $1.2 billion, with the state seeking full reimbursement from the federal government. While some internal discussions considered repurposing the site as a short‑term transfer hub, the decision was made to fully dismantle it. The airstrip will remain for training flights, and the land may be transferred for Everglades preservation.