Florida to close Everglades 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center
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ORLANDO, Fla. Florida will remove detainees and dismantle the Everglades detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' by early June, state contractors were told this week. Vendors received notice that detainees will be moved 'by the start of' June and the site will be dismantled in the following weeks, officials and reporting outlets said.
Environmental groups have pursued litigation alleging the facility lacked a required environmental review, and a lower court previously ordered it closed before an appellate court temporarily allowed operations; the case has now returned to the district judge. Gov. Ron DeSantis called the site temporary, and reports say the state engaged with federal partners about winding down operations this week.
More context
Timeline
- 1. State established the Everglades detention center to hold migrants during enforcement operations.
- 2. Environmental groups sued, alleging the construction lacked required environmental review.
- 3. A district judge ordered the site to wind down before an appellate court temporarily stayed that order.
- 4. The appellate court kept the facility open for the time being, then remanded the case to the lower court.
- 5. This week vendors were reportedly told detainees will be removed by the start of June and the site dismantled.
Why it matters
The closure of 'Alligator Alcatraz' impacts Florida's handling of migrant detainees. It also highlights the importance of environmental reviews in state projects. If you're a Florida resident, you can track how your tax dollars are spent on such issues.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
