The controversial immigration detention facility located in the Florida Everglades, known as Alligator Alcatraz, is on track to become empty. An email from Kevin Guthrie, the head of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which was obtained by ABC News, reveals that the facility is expected to house no detainees shortly. Guthrie informed the interfaith community, stating, "We are probably going to be down to 0 individuals within a few days."
The detention center has been embroiled in legal disputes, one of which has effectively halted the transfer of new detainees to the facility. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams denied a request from the Trump administration and Florida state officials to pause her previous order aimed at winding down operations at Alligator Alcatraz. The officials sought a stay on her ruling while they appealed the decision, but Judge Williams dismissed their arguments, stating they did not present any new information.
In her ruling, Judge Williams highlighted that the officials had reiterated arguments made during the preliminary injunction hearing. Despite claims from the state that the facility was necessary due to overcrowding in other detention centers, the judge remained unconvinced. "Again, as noted in the Order, Defendants constructed the facility in eight days and have repeatedly emphasized that the facility was designed and constructed to be temporary,” she wrote, reinforcing her decision against the continued operation of Alligator Alcatraz.
An appeals court has yet to make a ruling on the matter, while state officials are actively seeking to overturn Judge Williams’ order, which also prohibits the transfer of new detainees to the facility. The controversial immigration detention center has been a focal point of attention, even drawing visits from President Donald Trump and top officials from the Department of Homeland Security. Testimonies in court indicated that maintaining operations at the facility was expected to cost approximately $400 million.
In recent days, the South Florida Interfaith Community reached out to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) regarding access to faith services at Alligator Alcatraz, highlighting the strong community interest in the treatment of detainees. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans to establish a new immigration detention facility in the state, referred to as the Deportation Depot, signaling ongoing changes in Florida’s approach to immigration enforcement.
As the situation develops, the fate of Alligator Alcatraz remains uncertain, with both legal and community dynamics shaping the future of immigration detention in Florida.
