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Hundreds of detainees transferred from Florida Everglades ICE facility, whereabouts unclear to families

Jun 18, 2026 · Florida Everglades, FL

Hundreds of detainees transferred from Florida Everglades ICE facility, whereabouts unclear to families

All detainees at the South Florida Detention Center, a facility in Florida's Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz" that opened in July 2025, were transferred to other facilities in mid-June 2026. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security cited hurricane season safety concerns as the reason for the transfers. However, immigration advocates and lawyers dispute this explanation, noting the facility operated throughout the previous hurricane season without prior closures. Approximately 800 detainees have been transferred, with families and legal representatives reporting difficulty locating them and unclear information about their current status. The facility had faced persistent criticism and lawsuits over poor conditions, including worms in food, non-functioning toilets, flooding, denial of medical care, solitary confinement, and inadequate legal access.

Timeline

Jul 2025South Florida Detention Center ("Alligator Alcatraz") opened in Florida Everglades
7/2025-6/2026Facility faced persistent criticism from advocates, lawyers, and human rights groups over poor conditions including worms in food, non-functioning toilets, flooding, denial of medical care, and inadequate legal access
May 2026Federal judge ordered dismantling of facility; appeals court stayed the order
Jun 17, 18All approximately 800 detainees transferred from facility to other locations across United States; DHS cited hurricane season safety concerns
Jun 18, 2026Families and legal representatives report detainees' whereabouts unknown and unclear information about their status; advocates dispute hurricane season rationale

Sources

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