Is ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ under federal control? Answer could decide environmental groups’ case

Chief Judge William Pryor appeared skeptical of the environmental lawyers’ argument that the federal government is the primary caretaker

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

Chief Judge William Pryor appeared skeptical of the environmental lawyers’ argument that the federal government is the primary caretaker.

Florida News

FEMA lifts environmental hold on $608M grant for ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ ‘Deportation Depot’

The Trump administration lifted an environmental funding hold that had stalled the dollars for months

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

News

Florida planned $645M for waste company Doodie Calls at detention centers

Emergency managers say projected costs at migrant detention centers have since been revised downward

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

News

All ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ communications must be released to feds, court rules

The Florida agency must release all texts, emails, and other communications about how the migrant center was set up and run

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

News

‘Dragging its feet’: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ appeal paused due to government shutdown

The court agreed with the Department of Homeland Security that the case should be paused until government attorneys can work again.

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

News

Florida faces lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ records

An environmental group filed a lawsuit alleging that state officials have improperly withheld public records

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

News

Florida gets $608M grant for immigrant detention centers

Funds will be spent on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ — which the state has already spent at least $245M on — and ‘Deportation Depot’

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix October 3, 2025October 3, 2025

News

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ now wants federal money

A federal appeals court last week ordered the center to remain open partially because it lacked federal ties

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix September 16, 2025September 16, 2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses possible new immigrant detention center 'Panhandle Pokey'

Florida News

DeSantis says Florida’s looking into third immigrant detention facility, ‘Panhandle Pokey’

‘There’s a demand to have way more than just Alligator Alcatraz,’ he said

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix September 3, 2025September 3, 2025

News

Federal judge says the closure of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ must continue

Judge Williams ordered that no more immigrant detainees be sent to the facility and gave both the state and federal government 60 days to move out existing detainees

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix August 28, 2025September 1, 2025

News

DeSantis administration seeks to put ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ injunction on hold

The state’s attorneys argued that the National Environmental Policy Act does not apply to the facility

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida August 27, 2025September 1, 2025

News

Florida continues immigration crackdown despite judge-ordered shutdown of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

DeSantis and state law enforcement officials Friday touted an immigration crackdown in the Panhandle

by Jay Waagmeester and Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix August 22, 2025August 28, 2025

News

Judge orders ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ be shut down, says no new detainees

‘This is a landmark victory for the Everglades’

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix August 22, 2025September 1, 2025

News

Judge strikes down part of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ lawsuit over detainees’ legal rights

Detainees and their attorneys contend, in part, they have been prevented from having proper confidential communications to discuss cases

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida August 19, 2025August 26, 2025

News

Florida GOP releases more merch making light of the arrests of immigrants

‘We won’t back down to the radical left,’ the party says about its new ‘Deport Depot’ merch

by Chloe Greenberg August 15, 2025August 24, 2025

News

Florida’s now getting a second immigrant detention center: ‘Deportation Depot’

The National Guard said it will activate 200 additional guardsmen this month at 10 ICE facilities across Florida

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix August 14, 2025August 23, 2025

News

Federal officials are ‘overwhelmed’ by immigrant arrests and Florida wants to help, sheriff says

The State Board of Immigration Enforcement advanced $250M grant program for local law enforcement to help with federal immigration efforts

by Dara Kam, News Service of Florida July 23, 2025August 28, 2025

News

Environmental groups face hurdles in lawsuit against ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ construction

The lawsuit claims construction of the center violates a federal law requiring analysis of potential environmental harms

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix July 21, 2025July 26, 2025

News

DeSantis defends construction at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz amid legal battle

The state has a $37 million contract that includes funding for permanent and temporary fencing and roadway construction

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix July 21, 2025August 6, 2025

News

DeSantis claims ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is temporary, but photos show new paving as environmental groups voice concern

‘The environmental impacts will be devastating,’ the groups wrote to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix July 8, 2025August 20, 2025

BEST OF ORLANDO® NOMINATION BALLOT IS OPEN THROUGH MAY 6!

Florida immigrant detention center

Is ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ under federal control? Answer could decide environmental groups’ case

FEMA lifts environmental hold on $608M grant for ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ ‘Deportation Depot’

Florida planned $645M for waste company Doodie Calls at detention centers

All ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ communications must be released to feds, court rules

‘Dragging its feet’: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ appeal paused due to government shutdown

Florida faces lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ records

Florida gets $608M grant for immigrant detention centers

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ now wants federal money

DeSantis says Florida’s looking into third immigrant detention facility, ‘Panhandle Pokey’

Federal judge says the closure of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ must continue

DeSantis administration seeks to put ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ injunction on hold

Florida continues immigration crackdown despite judge-ordered shutdown of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Judge orders ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ be shut down, says no new detainees

Judge strikes down part of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ lawsuit over detainees’ legal rights

Florida GOP releases more merch making light of the arrests of immigrants

Florida’s now getting a second immigrant detention center: ‘Deportation Depot’

Federal officials are ‘overwhelmed’ by immigrant arrests and Florida wants to help, sheriff says

Environmental groups face hurdles in lawsuit against ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ construction

DeSantis defends construction at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz amid legal battle

DeSantis claims ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is temporary, but photos show new paving as environmental groups voice concern