Florida to Close Alligator Alcatraz Migrant Detention Site in Early June

Florida plans to shut down the controversial Everglades migrant detention facility, known as Alligator Alcatraz, as early as June 2026. Officials informed vendors of the closure and stated that detainees would be relocated, although Governor Ron DeSantis remained vague about the timeline during a recent briefing. The Department of Homeland Security denied reports of federal pressure to cease operations, emphasizing continued partnership with Florida on immigration enforcement. This development follows an April ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that invalidated a previous injunction ordering the facility's shutdown, allowing it to remain open while litigation continues. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe have sued, arguing the site was constructed without required environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, posing risks to the sensitive Everglades ecosystem. Despite the anticipated closure, plaintiffs intend to pursue legal action to ensure full remediation of environmental harm. The facility, opened in July 2025 as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, has faced intense scrutiny due to its location in a critical water source region undergoing a massive restoration effort.