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Ochopee, FL - Florida’s immigration detention center in the Everglades, often referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” is expected to hold no detainees within days as officials comply with a federal court ruling.
The Florida Department of Emergency Management confirmed that the facility’s population is rapidly declining, with Director Kevin Guthrie noting the center could be “down to zero individuals within a few days.”
Governor Ron DeSantis said federal authorities have increased the pace of removals from the site.
The closure follows a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, which prohibits Florida and the federal government from bringing in new detainees and requires the facility to wind down operations within 60 days.
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The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by two environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who argued that the facility was built without adequate public input, consideration of alternatives, or an environmental impact study.
Florida and federal authorities have appealed the decision and requested a stay from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
During a recent tour, U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost reported the facility held approximately 336 detainees.
Volunteers from Friends of the Everglades have observed at least three buses transporting detainees away from the center.
Eve Samples, the group’s executive director, said the downsizing aligns with the court order.
The facility was constructed on a lightly used airport in the heart of the Everglades, with Florida spending more than $245 million so far and projecting costs exceeding $400 million.
Federal officials say detainees are being moved to other sites to comply with the court’s order, with DHS noting that operations are proceeding in accordance with legal requirements.