Florida Commits $245M to Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center

Florida's new immigration detention center, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," has rapidly become a costly and controversial facility. Opened in early July 2025 after just eight days of construction, the center has already had more than $245 million allocated through state contracts for its construction, operation, and staffing, with the annual cost estimated at $450 million. The contracts, awarded under Governor Ron DeSantis' executive order declaring an immigration emergency, have faced criticism after some were removed from public databases, raising concerns about transparency and propriety, especially given links between contractors and DeSantis' financial backers. Access issues for detainees have also emerged, with attorneys reporting difficulties in meeting clients in person or via secure calls, prompting the administration to promise 24/7 legal meeting spaces soon. The detention center supports federal immigration policies under President Donald Trump's administration but has drawn opposition from human rights advocates and environmentalists, and criticism from former ICE officials about its potential for mismanagement. The Florida Division of Emergency Management oversees the facility, which is located in the Everglades near Miami.