Mike Schneider and Kate Payne | The Associated Press

FILE - This image from a video feed shows Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking about deportation flights from the remote Everglades immigration lockup known as "Alligator Alcatraz″ on July 25, 2025 in Ochopee, Florida. (Office Of Florida Governor Ron Desantis via AP, file)

Florida may lose $218M on empty 'Alligator Alcatraz' as judge orders shutdown

A federal judge has ordered operations to wind down at the center due to environmental concerns. The facility, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," has been emptying of detainees. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Wednesday denied requests to pause her order, despite claims it would disrupt immigration enforcement.

A protester stands outside the migrant detention

Immigration

Closure of Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center can proceed, judge says

Mike Schneider and Kate Payne | The Associated Press

A federal judge in Miami has refused to pause her order to wind down the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades.

An aerial view of the new migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in Ochopee, in the Everglades of southwest Florida, on July 4, 2025.

Immigration

Top Florida official says 'Alligator Alcatraz' will likely be empty within days, email shows

Mike Schneider and Kate Payne | The Associated Press

A top Florida official says the controversial state-run immigration detention facility in the Everglades will likely be empty in a matter of days, even as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration fights a federal judge's order to shutter the facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by a late October deadline.