Immigrant advocacy organizations and environmental groups celebrated the imminent closure of the detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” in the heart of the Florida Everglades, although they warned that the complex leaves a legacy of alleged abuses against migrants and ecological damage that they consider “irreparable.”

The center, promoted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, became one of the most visible symbols of the immigration policy promoted by President Donald Trump. US media reported that site operations would end in June due to high maintenance costs, estimated at more than a million dollars a day.

Despite this, DeSantis recently defended the state investment by ensuring that the center helped process and deport some 22,000 migrants since its opening in 2025.

Activists who have held weekly vigils in front of the complex for almost ten months said the closure represents just a first step. María Bilbao, campaign coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee, said that a thorough investigation into the conditions inside the site is still missing.

“It is a victory, but this does not end here,” said Bilbao, noting that families reported night transfers, lack of information and alleged medical emergencies within the facility. “There has to be accountability.”

They question lack of transparency and high costs

The controversy over “Alligator Alcatraz” increased after records reviewed by local media indicated that the center maintained an average population of close to 1,400 detainees daily. According to ICE data cited by advocates, almost 60% of those detained were classified as “no threat” to public safety, as they had no criminal record.

Among the affected families is that of Justo Betancourt, a 54-year-old Cuban immigrant detained after attending a routine appointment with immigration authorities. His daughter, Arianne Betancourt, said her father was transferred between several centers, including out of state, before returning to Florida again.

The family is now demanding an independent investigation into the treatment of the detainees. “We must demand responsibilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, critics of the project question the use of public resources to finance the center. State officials expect to receive more than $600 million in federal reimbursements, although estimates indicate the total cost could exceed $1.1 billion by summer.

DeSantis rejected the criticism and defended the spending by arguing that immigration enforcement has avoided greater costs for American taxpayers.

Environmentalists warn of permanent damage to Everglades

In addition to complaints of alleged human rights violations, environmental groups claim that the complex left severe damage to the Everglades, one of the most important ecological reserves in the United States.

Friends of the Everglades, which is leading a lawsuit against the state, denounced that the construction included the installation of extensive areas of asphalt and the alteration of protected habitats, including areas where the Florida panther, an endangered species, lives.

Eve Samples, executive director of the organization, maintained that the project was developed “without transparency” from the beginning. As he explained, the state would not have carried out public environmental assessments before starting the works.

“This will not be a victory for the Everglades until the damage caused is fully repaired,” Samples said.

The American Civil Liberties Union is also pursuing legal action related to allegations of “inhumane” conditions and lack of adequate access to legal representation within the facility.

For some activists, the closure of the complex does not represent the end of the immigration problem in Florida. Yurina Gil, a Cuban immigrant and Democratic candidate for federal Congress for the 26th district, asked that the site become a memorial that remembers the treatment received by hundreds of migrants.

“We also cannot forget that there are many other detention centers where similar situations continue to occur,” he warned.