The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has relocated detainees from a contentious detention center in the Florida Everglades, often called “Alligator Alcatraz.” An ICE spokesperson informed CBS News that the move was prompted by safety concerns related to the hurricane season.
The spokesperson stated, “For the safety of the illegal alien detainees, we transferred them to other facilities.” Last month, CBS News Miami reported that companies contracted by Florida to operate the center had been informed of its closure. Approximately 1,400 detainees were expected to be transferred.
Although Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that the facility would remain open for the time being, he acknowledged its susceptibility to weather-related “vulnerabilities.” He mentioned, “We have plans in case of a natural emergency such as a wildfire or hurricane, to have to be able to bring it down and pull the individuals out.”
Situated on a disused airstrip in the Everglades, Alligator Alcatraz was established last year as part of the previous administration’s efforts to expand ICE’s capacity for detaining and deporting individuals accused of illegal presence in the U.S. Detainees were housed in large, air-conditioned tents with bunk beds and cells made of chain-link fences.
The previous administration promoted Alligator Alcatraz as a cost-efficient way to manage people accused of illegal stay in the U.S., positioning it as a potential model for other state-run immigration detention centers. Some officials suggested that the harsh environment could deter illegal immigration. During a visit, President Trump remarked, “We’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison.” Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned that those who do not self-deport might end up there.
The center faced significant criticism from immigration advocates, environmental groups, and a local Native American tribe. Critics denounced the conditions as inhumane, citing issues like poor food quality, nonfunctional toilets, and restricted legal access. The previous administration refuted claims that the conditions were inadequate.