Florida's immigration detention facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" officially shut down in late June 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis and White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed at a press conference at the remote site in Ochopee [1, 2, 3]. The center operated for under one year since its rapid construction in June 2025 at the mostly defunct Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport within the Everglades [2, 3]. The makeshift facility included bunk beds, wire cages, and large white tents [2, 3].
DeSantis said the detention center "fulfilled the role that it was designed to serve," stating that all detainees have been transferred or deported [1, 2, 3]. He claimed that roughly between 21,000 and over 22,000 people were processed or staged for deportation through the site, saying, "When you start talking about 21,000 folks, that without question has made our state safer, and it’s made the country safer as well" [1, 2, 3]. The exact figure varied slightly between sources, with May statements putting the number at over 22,000 [1, 2, 3].
The detention center was initially promoted by former President Donald Trump and Governor DeSantis as a model for strict immigration enforcement. Trump visited the facility shortly after its opening in July 2025, joking about alligator guards and boasting about the harsh conditions [2, 3].
However, the facility was heavily criticized by advocacy groups and human rights organizations for inhumane conditions, denial of legal representation, and alleged abuses [1, 2, 3]. Noelle Damico, director of social justice at the Workers Circle, said, "Alligator Alcatraz is now shut down due to the relentless action of thousands of people who refused to stand idly by. We denounced the brutality, lawlessness, chaos and corruption that was Alligator Alcatraz. We, the people, made it politically toxic" [1]. The Workers Circle held weekly vigils at the site, with the final 47th vigil occurring in the days before closure [1].
Environmental advocates and the Miccosukee Tribe also criticized the project, arguing the construction damaged the fragile Everglades ecosystem and threatened protected species [2, 3].
Reportedly, the site cost over $1 billion and Florida spent about $1.2 million daily to operate it [1, 3]. The detention center was assembled rapidly in about eight days at the abandoned airport site in June 2025 [2, 3].
Following the closure announcement on June 25, 2026, all detainees had been transferred or deported, concluding the center’s emergency role [1, 2, 3].
