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Florida Faces Third Lawsuit Over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Detention Center Authority

Florida Faces Third Lawsuit Over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Detention Center Authority

Florida Faces Third Lawsuit Over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Detention Center Authority Florida’s controversial Everglades immigration detention center, widely dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ is now embroiled in a third major lawsuit, alleging that Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration fundamentally lacks the legal authority to operate the facility. Filed on Friday in a federal court, the suit contends that the state’s reliance on 287(g) agreements, typically designed for local police to assist in immigration enforcement, does not extend to state agencies or their contractors…

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Lawmakers Denied Access to Florida’s Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as First Detainees Arrive Amid Legal Challenges

Lawmakers Denied Access to Florida’s Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as First Detainees Arrive Amid Legal Challenges

Lawmakers Denied Access to Florida’s Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as First Detainees Arrive Amid Legal Challenges Florida’s newly opened and highly controversial detention center, dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ is facing immediate scrutiny as state lawmakers were denied entry on Thursday, just hours after the arrival of its first group of detainees. Five Democratic state legislators, including Rep. Anna Eskamani, attempted to inspect the facility following reports of flooding and other issues, but were blocked by law enforcement, citing vague ‘safety concerns.’ Lawmakers…

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Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center

Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center

Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, halting construction for two weeks at a controversial immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Thursday, bars any new industrial-style lighting, paving, excavation, fencing, or further expansion, including additional buildings or tents, while she reviews whether the facility violates environmental laws. The facility, rapidly constructed two months…

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New Aerial Footage Reveals Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility in Florida

New Aerial Footage Reveals Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility in Florida

New Aerial Footage Reveals Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility in Florida Recent aerial footage provides an unprecedented view of Florida’s high-security immigration detention center in the Everglades, controversially dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ The facility, established earlier this month under Governor Ron DeSantis’ directive, serves as a ‘transitional shelter for migrants’ on an airstrip approximately 45 miles west of Miami. Located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the expansive tent city is only accessible via a two-lane highway. Videos show rows…

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DeSantis Confirms First Deportation Flights Underway from Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

DeSantis Confirms First Deportation Flights Underway from Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

DeSantis Confirms First Deportation Flights Underway from Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Deportation flights have commenced from Florida’s controversial Everglades immigration detention center, dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Governor Ron DeSantis announced Friday. Approximately 100 detainees have already been transferred to other countries via flights operated by the Department of Homeland Security, with DeSantis anticipating a significant increase in these numbers. Speaking near the remote South Florida facility, DeSantis stated that two to three flights have departed so far, though specific destinations were not…

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Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Under Scrutiny for Detaining Individuals Without Criminal Records

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Under Scrutiny for Detaining Individuals Without Criminal Records

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Under Scrutiny for Detaining Individuals Without Criminal Records The controversial Everglades detention facility, colloquially known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” is facing heightened scrutiny after reports revealed that a significant number of its detainees have no criminal convictions. The facility, located in Collier County, approximately 36 miles west of Miami, reportedly houses a mix of individuals accused or convicted of crimes alongside many immigrants who lack any criminal record. The revelation has ignited public debate and prompted action from…

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Florida Migrant Detention Facility Under Renewed Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Inhumane Conditions

Florida Migrant Detention Facility Under Renewed Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Inhumane Conditions

Florida Migrant Detention Facility Under Renewed Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Inhumane Conditions A controversial migrant detention facility in Florida, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” and located deep within the Everglades, continues to draw fierce criticism from Democratic lawmakers who describe conditions as “inhumane.” This comes as Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, maintains the site is “safe and secure.” Following a lawsuit for denied access, congressional and state representatives were granted a limited tour of the makeshift tent facility last week. Lawmakers reported…

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Lawmakers Clash Over ‘Vile’ vs. ‘Well-Run’ Conditions at Florida’s Controversial Everglades Detention Center

Lawmakers Clash Over ‘Vile’ vs. ‘Well-Run’ Conditions at Florida’s Controversial Everglades Detention Center

Lawmakers Clash Over ‘Vile’ vs. ‘Well-Run’ Conditions at Florida’s Controversial Everglades Detention Center Democratic lawmakers on Saturday condemned Florida’s new Everglades immigration detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” describing the facility as crowded, unsanitary, and bug-infested following a state-arranged tour. Their Republican counterparts, however, offered starkly different accounts, asserting they found a clean and well-managed site. The bipartisan tour came after some Democrats were previously denied access to the remote 3,000-bed facility, which was rapidly constructed on an isolated airstrip. U.S….

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Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Site Faces Intensified Scrutiny as Archbishop Condemns Conditions and Lawmakers Sue for Access

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Site Faces Intensified Scrutiny as Archbishop Condemns Conditions and Lawmakers Sue for Access

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Site Faces Intensified Scrutiny as Archbishop Condemns Conditions and Lawmakers Sue for Access A controversial migrant detention facility in Florida, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by state officials, is drawing sharp criticism from the Archdiocese of Miami and sparking a legal battle from Democratic state lawmakers. Archbishop Thomas Wenski has issued a strong condemnation, labeling the site “unbecoming of public officials” and “corrosive of the common good.” In a statement posted on the archdiocese’s website, Archbishop Wenski specifically…

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Aerial Photos Reveal ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Opening in Florida Everglades

Aerial Photos Reveal ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Opening in Florida Everglades

Aerial Photos Reveal ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Opening in Florida Everglades New aerial photographs have surfaced, providing the first clear views of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center. Taken from a helicopter on July 4, 2025, by Alon Skuy for Getty Images, the images show the sprawling 5,000-bed facility located at the remote Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida, deep within the Everglades wetlands. The center’s opening, attended by President Donald Trump, marks a significant expansion in…

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Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Center Begins Receiving Detainees Amidst Growing Controversy

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Center Begins Receiving Detainees Amidst Growing Controversy

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Center Begins Receiving Detainees Amidst Growing Controversy The controversial new detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” deep in the Florida Everglades has begun receiving its first group of immigrants, a spokesperson for Republican state Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed. While specific numbers and arrival times were not immediately provided, the development marks a significant step for the facility championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. Attorney General Uthmeier, credited as the architect behind the…

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FEMA Funding for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Under Scrutiny Amidst New Details

FEMA Funding for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Under Scrutiny Amidst New Details

FEMA Funding for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Under Scrutiny Amidst New Details A controversial immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is reportedly being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program, according to recent statements. This facility, expected to house up to 5,000 detainees, is situated on an airfield approximately 45 miles west of Miami, designed for individuals awaiting deportation. Initial reports indicated that the state of Florida provided the first $450…

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Trump Tours ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Facility Amid Fact-Checks on Immigration, Budget Claims

Trump Tours ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Facility Amid Fact-Checks on Immigration, Budget Claims

Trump Tours ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Migrant Facility Amid Fact-Checks on Immigration, Budget Claims Former President Donald Trump recently toured Florida’s newly established ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention facility in the Everglades on July 1st, an event livestreamed where he addressed immigration and other policy matters. The facility, designed to house 5,000 detainees, is expected to begin receiving migrants shortly, funded by $450 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Shelter and Services program. During his visit, Trump was joined by Florida Governor…

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Trump Tours Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as Florida Detention Center Opens Today

Trump Tours Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as Florida Detention Center Opens Today

Trump Tours Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as Florida Detention Center Opens Today TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – President Donald Trump is visiting a new, highly controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades today, marking its official opening. Dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by state officials, the facility is a key component of Florida’s aggressive efforts to support Trump’s national immigration crackdown, though it has drawn widespread condemnation from critics. The compound, quickly erected with heavy-duty tents and temporary buildings about 45 miles west of…

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DeSantis Fast-Tracks Massive Everglades Detention Center Amid Controversy

DeSantis Fast-Tracks Massive Everglades Detention Center Amid Controversy

DeSantis Fast-Tracks Massive Everglades Detention Center Amid Controversy Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is controversially leveraging emergency powers to rapidly construct a large-scale immigration detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” deep within the Everglades. Designed to house up to 3,000 detained immigrants, the facility is slated for an early July opening, with construction commencing at an unprecedented pace since June 21st. The initiative has sparked immediate backlash from environmental groups and state legislators, who question the legality and necessity of the expedited…

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Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Sparks Fresh Protests, Legal Battle in Everglades

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Sparks Fresh Protests, Legal Battle in Everglades

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Sparks Fresh Protests, Legal Battle in Everglades Protests intensified over the weekend in the Florida Everglades as environmental activists and Native American groups rallied against the rapid construction of a controversial immigrant detention center, dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Hundreds of demonstrators lined U.S. Highway 41, the Tamiami Trail, outside an airstrip in the Big Cypress National Preserve, where dump trucks are actively delivering materials for the facility. The opposition comes as Florida officials accelerate the project under an…

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Everglades Set for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: Florida’s Controversial New Migrant Facility Gets Federal Nod

Everglades Set for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: Florida’s Controversial New Migrant Facility Gets Federal Nod

Everglades Set for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: Florida’s Controversial New Migrant Facility Gets Federal Nod In a rapid development that has ignited both support and controversy, the federal government has officially approved a new 5,000-bed migrant detention facility in Florida’s Everglades, a site officials are already dubbing “Alligator Alcatraz.” The approval came on June 23, setting the stage for the facility to open as early as next month. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced the project in an interview posted on…

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