News Summary
A federal judge has mandated the closure of a notorious immigration detention center in Florida’s Everglades known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ The ruling comes in response to a drastic decrease in the facility’s detainee population, which has fallen from nearly 1,000 to between 300 and 350 in recent weeks. The judge criticized both state and federal authorities for failing to justify the facility’s continued operation, emphasizing the environmental and humanitarian concerns it raised. Amid legal challenges and environmental lawsuits, the facility’s operations are set to wind down by late October.
Florida – A federal judge has ordered the closure of a controversial immigration detention center situated in the Florida Everglades, commonly referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The judge mandated the facility to wind down its operations within the next two months, citing a significant decline in its detainee population.
According to a top official from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the facility, which previously accommodated nearly 1,000 detainees, is expected to become empty in a matter of days. The executive director of the division indicated in an email that authorities foresee no remaining detainees in the near future. This swift decline has raised questions regarding the need for essential services at the facility.
Recent statements from the Florida Governor have attributed this drop in detainee numbers to an increase in deportations enacted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Legal filings from federal attorneys have pointed out that the decisions regarding the detaining of unauthorized immigrants at this facility were made by the state of Florida rather than the DHS.
The detention center was built hastily to house up to 3,000 detainees, which became a part of a broader deportation initiative during the Trump administration’s immigration policies. However, the number of detainees had reportedly dwindled to anywhere between 300 to 350 as of last week. Several lawsuits challenging the facility’s practices have been filed, with reports indicating that more than 100 detainees have been deported or transferred elsewhere since the facility’s inception.
A federal judge expressed dissatisfaction with the structure of the facility, rejecting a request for a delay on her ruling pending an appeal from the state and the federal government. The judge criticized both parties for failing to present adequate evidence to justify keeping the facility operational, emphasizing the urgency required in addressing the situation.
As the operations of Alligator Alcatraz are set to cease, the judge’s ruling also demands that the facility’s infrastructure, including fencing and generators, be removed in line with the closure timeline, which is set for late October.
The detention center has been a contentious topic among environmental advocates and local tribes. Both environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe filed lawsuits arguing that the facility’s existence posed a threat to sensitive wetlands and breached federal environmental regulations. Previous legal actions have highlighted numerous complaints regarding the inhumane conditions inside Alligator Alcatraz, alleging insufficient access to water, poor food quality, and unsanitary living conditions for detainees.
Opened on July 1, 2025, the detention center aimed to fast-track deportations as part of a more extensive immigration enforcement campaign endorsed by the Trump administration. Initially heralded as a critical tool in the fight against illegal immigration, the facility faced intense scrutiny as lawsuits emerged, detailing the troubling living circumstances within its walls.
The establishment of Alligator Alcatraz saw the Florida state signing contracts totaling over $245 million for its construction and operation, making the closure and operational winding down a significant consequence of changing immigration enforcement policies.
As this story unfolds, the focus remains on transitioning from the controversial facility and addressing both the humanitarian implications and the environmental concerns surrounding its legacy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News
- Wikipedia: Immigration Detention in the US
- CBS News
- Google Search: Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention
- Washington Post
- Google Scholar: Alligator Alcatraz
- The Guardian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- New York Times
- Google News: Florida immigration detention center
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
