Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ set to close permanently

(NewsNation) — The Florida-funded and operated migrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is one step closer to closing permanently, signaling the end of a costly $1.2 billion project just weeks ahead of the one-year anniversary of the facility’s opening.

Contractors who were hired to oversee operations of the detention center received word to begin “full demobilization” of the facility, CBS News Miami reported Monday, citing four sources. The New York Times, which had previously reported that contractors had been notified that the detention center would be closing this summer, reported Tuesday that Florida emergency management officials instructed contractors to begin dismantling the site and to make “significant progress” by Wednesday.

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center evacuated

The order comes less than a week after detainees who were being held at the facility were evaluated and moved to other locations, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials citing safety precautions as Florida enters hurricane season.

An attorney representing environmental groups suing the DeSantis and Trump administrations over the facility told NewsNation last week that lighting, fencing and tenting remained in place after the detention center was evacuated.

He said Monday that it appeared workers were being brought in over the weekend to begin deconstructing the site.

A spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) directed NewsNation to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for comment Monday. The agency has been responsible for operating the tent facility since it opened in July 2025.

A spokesperson for FDEM did not respond to a request to confirm the CBS report and did not respond to multiple messages last week about the facility’s future.

President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others, tour “Alligator Alcatraz,” a new........

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