Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Closes, Land Eyed for Everglades

A massive detention facility built in Florida's Everglades has closed its doors for good, and the land may soon be returned to nature.

Officials announced Thursday that "Alligator Alcatraz," the controversial immigration detention center hastily constructed in June 2025, no longer holds any detainees. The facility was built in just eight days using tents and temporary structures at an abandoned airfield deep in the Everglades.

Over its brief operation, the center processed more than 22,000 people before emptying out this month. The last detainees were either transferred to other facilities or deported, according to officials.

The facility drew criticism from civil rights groups and environmental advocates throughout its operation. Lawyers and families raised concerns about conditions and legal access, while the Miccosukee Tribe and conservation groups challenged the project for damaging the fragile Everglades ecosystem.

The price tag became another source of controversy, with estimates reaching over $1 billion. Federal reimbursements covered hundreds of millions, though Florida hasn't been fully repaid.

The Bright Side

Now comes the hopeful turn. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced her administration will explore transferring the county-owned land to the National Park Service or other Everglades restoration partners.

She explained that the property's remote location and position beside one of the world's most important wetlands make conservation a better choice than keeping it as an airport. The land sits in a critical area for Everglades restoration efforts.

"Once this facility is decommissioned, we have an opportunity to permanently protect these lands for Everglades restoration and ensure they remain protected for generations to come," Levine Cava said. "That is the legacy we should leave."

Environmental groups including Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity had filed lawsuits arguing the facility threatened the sensitive wetlands and lacked proper environmental studies. Their advocacy may now help secure permanent protection for this ecosystem.

The Everglades remain one of America's most unique natural treasures, home to dozens of threatened and endangered species. Adding protected land to this ecosystem could benefit wildlife and water quality for millions of people across South Florida.

What began as a controversial chapter may end with lasting protection for precious wetlands.