The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has relocated detainees from a detention center known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Florida Everglades. The move is aimed at ensuring safety during hurricane season. An ICE spokesperson informed CBS News about the decision, emphasizing concern for the detainees’ safety.
Last month, CBS News Miami reported that the center, operated by companies contracted by the state of Florida, was shutting down. The facility housed approximately 1,400 detainees, who were expected to be transferred to other centers. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated there were no immediate plans to close Alligator Alcatraz, although he admitted the facility faces risks from natural events like hurricanes and wildfires. These plans are intended to mitigate potential emergencies.
Alligator Alcatraz is situated on an unused airstrip in the Everglades. It began operations the previous year under the Trump administration, which aimed to increase ICE’s detention capacity. The center utilized large tents, complete with bunk beds and chain-link fences, to house detainees. The administration promoted this setup as a cost-effective model that could be adopted by other state-run detention centers.
Despite this, the facility drew criticism from various groups, including immigration advocates, environmental organizations, and a Native American tribe. These groups raised concerns about the facility’s conditions, citing issues such as substandard food, inadequate sanitation, and restricted access to legal representation. The Trump administration has refuted claims regarding poor conditions at the center.
The intention behind Alligator Alcatraz was also to act as a deterrent against illegal immigration, with officials suggesting it could discourage unlawful entry into the U.S. During a visit, President Trump commented on the facility’s location with an alligator-related jest. Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that individuals in the country illegally who do not choose to ‘self-deport’ could end up at such a facility.
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