Florida, federal talks consider closing Everglades detention site
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Miami: Florida entered preliminary talks this week with the Trump administration to close Alligator Alcatraz, a remote ICE detention center in the Everglades, according to a New York Times report published Thursday. State officials say the site, opened last summer, was intended as temporary; federal and state representatives are discussing whether and when to wind down operations.
Tallahassee and DHS offered responses this week: DHS denied urging a shutdown while stating it continuously evaluates detention needs, and Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated the facility was never meant to be permanent. Officials cited operating costs exceeding $1 million per day and contractor strain; if closed, detainees would be relocated as longer-term federal sites become available.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Last summer: Alligator Alcatraz opened as a temporary ICE holding facility.
- 2. Over subsequent months: State reported daily operating costs exceeding $1 million and contractor difficulties.
- 3. Late March: DHS got a new secretary, Markwayne Mullin, prompting reassessment of detention needs.
- 4. This week (Thursday): The New York Times reported Florida is in preliminary talks with the Trump administration about closing the site.
- 5. Following the report: DHS issued a statement denying it urged closure; state officials said the site was always temporary.
Why it matters
The closure of Alligator Alcatraz could affect your tax dollars. The facility's daily operating costs exceed $1 million. If it shuts down, detainees will be moved to other federal sites. Keep an eye on how this could impact your state's budget.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
