The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has transferred all detainees from the controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' to other facilities. The move comes amid concerns over the hurricane season, which spans from June to November. DHS did not specify how many detainees were relocated or whether the transfers are temporary or permanent.
The facility, opened on July 3, 2025, has faced criticism from lawyers, human rights groups, and detainees over harsh conditions, including reports of worms in food, non-flushing toilets, and flooding floors with fecal waste. Some detainees have also described difficulty accessing legal representation. Despite the criticism, the facility has been praised by President Donald Trump.
The first tropical storm of the 2026 hurricane season formed off the Texas coast shortly after the transfer announcement. The facility, located in an isolated airstrip surrounded by alligator-filled swamps, has been operational since its opening. Some detainees will be moved to 'Deportation Depot,' another ICE facility in Sanderson, Florida, though long-term plans remain unclear.