Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDetainees inside Alligator Alcatraz have been transferred to other facilities as the region braces for hurricane season, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (AFP via Getty Images)The "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center, a makeshift prison for immigrants in the Florida Everglades, sits empty after approximately 1,300 detainees were transferred to other facilities in preparation for hurricane season. The decision to clear the facility comes amid several federal lawsuits alleging inhumane and unconstitutional conditions, including overcrowded, unsanitary environments, inadequate food, and excessive force by guards. The detention center was envisioned by then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as a replicable model for state-run facilities near airport runways to enhance deportation efforts. Despite its intended purpose, Homeland Security classified most of the jailed individuals as non-criminals, and the project is expected to cost $1 billion by July 2027.Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida also filed lawsuits, asserting the facility failed to conduct environmental reviews or obtain permits, causing harm to the protected Big Cypress National Preserve and its endangered species. In fullKristi Noem’s flagship project Alligator Alcatraz sits empty as detainees forced to move outThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration opened the facility last July to support the immigration crackdown by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The agency said the facility's "soft structure" could put immigrant detainees at risk and transferred them all to other facilities.

ICE has moved detainees out of a controversial soft-sided detention center in the Florida Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz," a spokesperson said, citing safety concerns…

Detainees at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” have been transferred to other facilities, the U.S.

The ex-DHS secretary envisioned similar ICE jails across the country but Florida’s cage-filled tents in the Everglades have been emptied out

La agencia cambió de lugar a migrantes que estaban en el polémico centro de detención de Florida; DeSantis dijo que el predio nunca fue pensado como permanente

Groups cite detainee maltreatment and degradation of surrounding land as reasons to close facility permanently

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

All detainees at the detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," have been transferred to other facilities, the Department of Homeland Security…

The facility, located near the Everglade wetlands, has drawn human rights concerns and lawsuits over its conditions.

The Trump administration said individuals were moved to ensure their safety during hurricane season. Environmental groups pursuing litigation over the site want more transparency.