Florida Opens Controversial Alligator Alcatraz Immigration Center with $78M Private Contract

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' administration secretly constructed a vast immigration detention center, dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz,' in the Everglades, bypassing local officials and environmental regulations through an executive order that allowed rapid land seizure and construction. The facility, situated in Collier County, was built swiftly with temporary tents and trailers to detain thousands of migrants, many of whom reportedly have criminal convictions or pending charges, while others face immigration violations. The state awarded a $78 million contract to Jacksonville-based Critical Response Strategies LLC to staff and manage the center, though the company's origins and staff vetting practices remain unclear and have raised concerns among lawmakers about training and protocols. The detention center has faced criticism for its conditions, including flooding and inadequate sanitation, and the obscure process by which CRS was contracted has drawn scrutiny. This effort reflects Governor DeSantis' expanded executive powers under a declared state of emergency, which allowed bypassing standard environmental impact assessments and other legal requirements. The project's secrecy and rapid execution have frustrated local officials and ignited debate over the management and humanitarian aspects of the detention facility.