Florida Everglades detention camp to close after year
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OCHOPEE, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that the Everglades detention center dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" will close after nearly a year of operation; contractors have been ordered to begin full demobilization this week and detainees were relocated earlier as officials cited hurricane-season safety concerns. Federal authorities coordinated transfers and state officials cited the availability of permanent federal detention capacity.
The closure follows reports that the $1.2 billion facility processed thousands, with ICE reporting more than 1,300 detained in April and the governor later stating roughly 21,000 processed overall; advocacy groups described sanitation failures and limited legal access, and contractors were instructed to make significant progress on dismantling by midweek, prompting oversight and fiscal questions.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2025: State rapidly constructs the temporary Everglades detention facility on a decommissioned airfield.
- 2. April 2026: ICE reports more than 1,300 people detained at the site (most recent public ICE data).
- 3. Early June 2026: Officials temporarily closed the site and transferred detainees citing hurricane-season safety.
- 4. This week (June 2026): CBS News Miami and NYT report contractors told to begin full demobilization.
- 5. Thursday, 24–25 June 2026: Gov. DeSantis announces the facility will close as federal capacity is available.
Why it matters
The Everglades detention center's closure affects your tax dollars. It cost $1.2 billion to run, and its shutdown raises questions about fiscal responsibility. Keep an eye on how your state officials manage public funds.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
