Florida immigration detention center closing less than one year after opening

Florida officials announced Thursday that the immigration detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz will close less than one year after it opened. The facility, located at a training airport in the Florida Everglades, began receiving detainees last July. It held more than 20,000 people before those detainees were transferred out, though the final destinations were not specified.

operations State officials described the site as a temporary emergency measure created while federal agencies secured funding for additional facilities. The center was estimated to cost Florida $450 million annually, with officials stating some of that amount will be reimbursed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Shelter and Services Program.

A Florida High Patrol Trooper was seen at the entrance as recently as June 1. Officials said the facility was built to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts.

statements The facility faced multiple lawsuits from immigrant advocates over access to counsel and conditions inside the tents. A federal judge last month denied a request to pause an order requiring access to counsel and other resources. The ACLU, which sued over access to counsel, said the closure ends what it called a travesty but added that similar conditions exist at other facilities nationwide.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan attended the Thursday press conference and said the governor would continue assisting federal immigration enforcement. Gov. Ron DeSantis said federal officials would ensure the state receives reimbursement for its costs.