Federal Judge Orders Shutdown of $250M Florida Everglades Detention Center

Florida's controversial immigration detention center, known as Alligator Alcatraz, located on a converted training airport in the Everglades, is facing imminent closure following a federal judge's ruling to wind down operations. The $245-$250 million facility, intended to hold up to 3,000 detainees, has been plagued by legal challenges, including environmental concerns raised by the Miccosukee Tribe and reports of substandard and harsh living conditions for detainees. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams upheld the decision to shut down the center, citing violations of the National Environmental Policy Act and emphasizing the state's commitment to Everglades conservation. Governor Ron DeSantis and the Trump administration have pushed back against the closure, appealing the decision and highlighting the need for detention capacity amid ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. The state faces significant financial losses, with estimates of up to $218 million potentially lost on the project, and additional costs to dismantle and possibly reinstall the facility if reopened. The facility's closure represents a significant setback to Florida's and the federal government's hardline immigration policies.