Florida judge orders dismantling of 'Alligator Alcatraz'

On August 21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered the partial dismantling of "Alligator Alcatraz," a Florida Everglades migrant detention facility, within 60 days. The ruling halts expansion, bans new detainees, and mandates removing fencing, lighting, generators, and waste systems for violating environmental regulations.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, citing threats to endangered species and restricted tribal land access. Governor DeSantis claimed the facility, housing up to 5,000, had “zero environmental impacts,” but Williams cited habitat loss risks. Detainees reported poor conditions, including maggot-filled food and insect infestations, highlighting operational failures.