In recent weeks, there has been speculation that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office would shut down Alligator Alcatraz because it was not paying fees under an agreement the federal government had with the state.
About $600 million is owed to reimburse the state.
Other media outlets have reported that contractors with the detention center have also not been paid their full salaries, and have previously heard that it is only a matter of time before the detention center closes.
Officials with vendors contracted to Alligator Albatraz told Florida Daily that the facility is not closing at this time and may remain open.
But questions remain.
Trump immigration officials like border czar Tom Homan say there are at least 15 million to 20 million illegal aliens here in the United States. If so, why close the detention centers whose primary purpose is to detain and deport illegal immigrants if so many remain in the country?
Gov. DeSantis recently told reporters there are still some things to resolve before making a final decision.
“I said on the first day it was going to be temporary. We didn’t know how long it would take because we didn’t know what funding was going to be passed,” the governor said. “But it’s going to be temporary. It served a good purpose. We fully intend to continue to see things like that happen in the future. I think it makes sense that DHS is evaluating their footprint and evaluating how they can accomplish their mission, and we will continue to partner with them going forward.”
This is likely to be used as an issue in the 2026 Florida election.
According to immigration numbers, there are currently approximately 1,400 detainees on Alligator Alcatraz Island.
