Florida could lose $218 million after a judge ordered the closure of Alligator Alcatraz, a detention facility in the Everglades that was once a training airport. The site was created with funding from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and was quickly retrofitted to house people detained for federal immigration purposes. The permanent closure could cost the Sunshine State $15 million to $20 million immediately and another $15 million to $20 million to reinstall structures if Florida is allowed to reopen it, according to court filings as reported by The Associated Press.
Detainees have reported health hazards including bathrooms flooded with feces, limited access to legal resources, and a lack of food. Officials told the wire that there would soon be no remaining inmates at Alligator Alcatraz as detainees, portable bathrooms, and other items were swiftly being removed to comply with court orders. However, state leaders have already signed at least $405 million in vendor contracts after allocating $245 million for site management in July. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP governors in 22 other states have urged the courts to overturn a late August ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, an appointee of former President Obama, to halt operations at the detention center.
