Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday his willingness to close the controversial immigrant detention facility located in the Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," emphasizing that it was always intended to be a temporary establishment.
"We are open to adapting to what makes sense, but it was always designed as a temporary facility," DeSantis told reporters. This statement follows reports of preliminary discussions between Florida and the Trump administration regarding the potential closure of the center.
The report, published by The New York Times, cited an anonymous federal official, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employee, and an individual close to the governor's administration.
According to the newspaper, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have internally concluded that keeping the facility operational is excessively costly, with daily expenses surpassing one million dollars and annual projections ranging from 245 to 450 million dollars.
Before addressing the possibility of closure, DeSantis defended the facility's impact: "It has had a significant impact, and if we were to shut it down tomorrow, we could say it achieved its purpose because it assisted nearly 22,000 undocumented immigrants. That's what it's all about."
The governor also mentioned that "at some point, it will be closed" and that "this was always the goal, and the airport will return to its normal use."
Conflicting Statements and Financial Challenges
However, the DHS refuted claims that it is pressuring the state to cease operations: "Any report that DHS is pressuring the state to cease operations at Alligator Alcatraz is false. Florida remains a valuable partner in advancing President Trump's immigration agenda."
The facility was constructed in just eight days using state emergency powers and opened on July 3, 2025, at the Dade-Collier Airport within the Big Cypress National Preserve, marking the first state-run immigrant detention camp in the United States.
Florida has requested a federal reimbursement of 608 million dollars to cover operational costs, but those funds remain blocked pending review by federal authorities.
Human Rights Concerns and Legal Battles
Since its inception, the center has faced numerous allegations. Amnesty International documented reports of torture and cruel treatment, including overcrowding, extreme temperatures, food shortages, and inadequate medical care.
In April, a new lawsuit was filed alleging the beating of Cuban detainee Raiko López and the use of pepper spray in confined cells, claims that the state of Florida dismissed as politically motivated.
In March, Cuban detainees reported food shortages and weight loss of up to 20 pounds over two months, sparking protests within the facility.
On the legal front, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a federal judge's closure order on April 22, issued in August 2025 due to environmental violations, allowing the center to continue operations.
The DHS stated that it continuously evaluates detention needs "to ensure they meet the latest operational requirements" and is reviewing Florida's reimbursement request before releasing the funds, indicating that the final decision on the center's future will depend on both economic considerations and coordination between the state and federal government.
Key Questions About Alligator Alcatraz's Future
Why is the Alligator Alcatraz facility controversial?
The facility has faced allegations of human rights violations, including overcrowding, extreme temperatures, and inadequate food and medical care, as documented by organizations like Amnesty International.
What are the financial implications of keeping the facility open?
Maintaining the facility is costly, with expenses exceeding one million dollars daily and annual costs projected between 245 and 450 million dollars, according to internal DHS assessments.
Has there been any legal action regarding the facility?
Yes, there have been lawsuits and legal challenges, including an overturned closure order by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which had been issued due to environmental violations.