Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed plans to close the detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Opened in July 2025, this facility has faced widespread opposition for its location in the Everglades and the treatment of detainees. It is reported that the center costs approximately $750,000 daily to operate, although some estimates suggest it may be close to $1 million a day. The state has carried this financial burden, with no reimbursement from the federal government as of yet.

The center, created quickly with emergency powers, was designed for temporary operation. Governor DeSantis noted that if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can manage detainee numbers elsewhere, he is willing to close it. Discussions about its future are ongoing, fueled by environmental lawsuits and public petitions, which have gathered over 53,000 signatures in favor of closure.

Advocates for the detainees and environmental activists express cautious optimism about the facility's potential shutdown, with many voices calling for a long-overdue conclusion to its operation. Conditions within the facility have been under scrutiny, including allegations of inadequate medical care and harsh living environments, prompting advocates to maintain pressure for change.

The timeline for closure is not yet definitive, but officials have indicated that discussions may expedite the process, with reports suggesting that detainees could be moved by early June 2026.