Trending Now - Desantis Addresses Temporary Status of 'alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center
WHO:
ABC News - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the immigration detention center is known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
ABC News - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is involved in discussions regarding the facility.
ABC News - Markwayne Mullin is the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
WHAT:
ABC News - Detainees at the facility have described poor physical conditions and difficulty accessing lawyers.
ABC News - DHS denied that it was urging Florida to cease operations at the facility, stating, “Florida continues to be a valuable partner in advancing President Trump’s immigration agenda, and DHS appreciates their support.”
ABC News - The “Alligator Alcatraz” facility has processed and deported 22,000 detainees since it opened last summer.
ABC News - Florida has spent more than $1 million a day to run the facility.
Fox News - The facility will shut down as permanent detention sites open, citing massive operational costs.
ABC News - The state has requested $608 million in reimbursement from the federal government.
WHERE:
ABC News - The “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center is located in the Florida Everglades.
ABC News - The news conference where DeSantis made his comments took place in Lakeland, Florida.
WHEN:
ABC News - The facility opened last summer.
ABC News - Discussions about the facility's closure have been ongoing since late March when Markwayne Mullin became Secretary of DHS.
WHY:
ABC News - DeSantis stated that the facility was always meant to be temporary.
ABC News - DHS is evaluating detention needs and requirements to ensure they meet the latest operational requirements.
HOW:
ABC News - A handbook made public as part of a lawsuit indicates that during regular head counts, detainees aren’t allowed to move or talk, and violations can lead to punishment for all in their dorm.
ABC News - Detainees are segregated based on criminal history and flight risk.
ABC News - During regular head counts, detainees are not allowed to move or talk, and violations can lead to punishment for all in their dorm.
(UPDATED May 8, 2026 13:22 UTC)
Detainees at a facility have reported poor physical conditions and challenges in accessing legal representation, as revealed in a recent report. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has denied urging Florida to halt operations at the facility, emphasizing that the state remains a valuable partner in advancing President Trump’s immigration agenda. Additionally, a handbook released as part of a lawsuit shows that during regular head counts, detainees are prohibited from moving or talking, with any violations potentially resulting in punishment for everyone in their dorm.
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(UPDATED May 8, 2026 01:37 UTC)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has referred to the immigration detention center in the Everglades as “Alligator Alcatraz,” which has processed and deported 22,000 detainees since its opening last summer. The Department of Homeland Security, now led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is currently discussing the facility's future, as it will shut down when permanent detention sites become operational due to high costs, with Florida requesting $608 million in federal reimbursement. DeSantis emphasized that the facility was always intended to be temporary, and detainees are carefully segregated based on their criminal history and flight risk, with strict rules during head counts to maintain order.