A federal judge has ordered the closure of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility in Florida, citing environmental and human rights violations. The decision, issued on August 21, 2025, mandates that the facility cease operations within 60 days and prohibits the Trump administration and Florida officials from transferring new detainees to the site.
The detention center, formally known as the South Florida Detention Facility, was constructed hastily in just eight days in June 2025 on a remote airstrip within the Big Cypress National Preserve. It was designed to hold up to 5,000 migrants but has faced widespread criticism for its environmental impact and the conditions under which detainees were held. The facility was dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its location in the Everglades, an area known for its alligator population.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the construction and operation of the facility violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by failing to conduct required environmental assessments. The lawsuit was filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, who argued that the facility caused significant harm to endangered species and protected wetlands. The judge’s 82-page order also mandates the removal of temporary infrastructure, including fencing, lighting, generators, and waste receptacles, within 60 days.
The ruling has been hailed as a significant victory by environmental advocates and civil liberties groups, who have long criticized the facility’s construction and operation. However, Florida officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, have expressed their intent to appeal the decision, arguing that the state has the authority to manage the facility independently of federal environmental regulations.
The closure of “Alligator Alcatraz” represents a setback for the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have emphasized the expansion of detention facilities as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration. While the facility once held up to 1,400 detainees, many had no criminal record, and fewer than 30% had been convicted of any crime. The ruling underscores the growing legal and political challenges facing the administration’s immigration agenda.
As the legal battle continues, the future of “Alligator Alcatraz” remains uncertain. The facility’s closure is set to take effect in 60 days, but the outcome of the impending appeal could determine whether the detention center remains operational or is permanently dismantled.
In the meantime, Florida officials are reportedly planning to open a new immigration detention facility elsewhere in the state. The proposed site, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to expand its immigration enforcement infrastructure. However, the success of these plans may depend on the outcome of the legal challenges surrounding “Alligator Alcatraz” and the broader debate over immigration detention practices.
The closure of “Alligator Alcatraz” marks a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about immigration policy, environmental protection, and the treatment of detainees. As legal proceedings continue, the case is expected to have lasting implications for the future of immigration detention in the United States.
