Florida spent $218 million turning an Everglades airport into an immigration detention center nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz." A judge ordered the center's closure due to lack of environmental review, potentially costing Florida millions more. The facility, plagued by reports of poor conditions and legal challenges, was already being emptied. The state invested at least $405 million in the project and is planning a second detention center. Federal and state officials dispute responsibility and are fighting the closure in court.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.