Florida To Close Costly Alligator Alcatraz Immigration Detention Center In June
Florida emergency officials told site vendors on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, that the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center in the Everglades will close and its last detainee will leave in June 2026.[1]
About 1,400 people currently held at the facility will be transferred to other detention centers or deported before the shutdown.[1] State officials now estimate operating costs at nearly $1 billion, including a $608 million reimbursement request plus roughly $300 million in additional, not-yet-fully-covered expenses.[1]
Demobilization of fencing, trailers and other structures is expected to take two to three weeks after detainees leave.[1] After demobilization, the site is planned to reopen as a small pilot-training airport.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Florida emergency officials notified site vendors that Alligator Alcatraz will close and the last detainee will leave in June 2026.
- About 1,400 people currently held at the Everglades facility will be transferred to other detention centers or deported before shutdown.
- Operating costs are now estimated at nearly $1 billion, including an initial $608 million reimbursement request and about $300 million in additional, not-yet-fully-covered expenses.
- Demobilization of fencing, trailers and other structures is expected to take two to three weeks after detainees leave, after which the site will reopen as a small pilot-training airport.
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