Alexa Velez
•6/18/2026
ICE has confirmed that all detainees have been moved out of the detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz, citing hurricane season concerns, but questions remain about what comes next for the controversial site in the Everglades.In a statement to Gulf Coast News, the Department of Homeland Security said detainees were transferred to other facilities as hurricane season begins."As we enter into hurricane season, ICE and the state of Florida have moved illegal aliens from the soft-sided facility. For the safety of the illegal alien detainees, we transferred them to other facilities.”However, DHS did not answer several other questions from Gulf Coast News, including where the detainees were transferred, whether they will return after hurricane season, whether the facility is closing or temporarily suspending operations, and what will happen to employees working at the site.The explanation has also raised questions because the facility opened during last year's hurricane season. Layoff notices obtainedGulf Coast News also obtained a letter sent to employees of GardaWorld Federal Services, a contractor connected to the facility.The notice states that approximately 148 employees assigned to Alligator Alcatraz will be permanently separated from the company on or around June 26.According to the letter, GardaWorld was informed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management that its services would no longer be needed.Gulf Coast News has reached out to GardaWorld and FDEM for comment but has not yet received a response. Few signs of shutdown at the siteDespite detainees being moved out, there were few visible signs Thursday that the facility was being dismantled. Traffic continued moving in and out of the facility throughout the day.During our visit, we also observed one of the white buses frequently seen entering and leaving the property. Gulf Coast News followed the bus as it left the facility and drove to the nearby Oasis Visitor Center before looping through the parking lot and returning to the site about 10 minutes later.It remains unclear who was on board or why the bus made the trip.Environmental groups say the fight isn't overEnvironmental advocates say the removal of detainees does not end their concerns about the facility."It's a relief to know that detainees are apparently out of Alligator Alcatraz," said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. "But if we've learned anything over the past year, it's that we can't take government officials at their word."Friends of the Everglades is one of the groups involved in ongoing litigation related to the facility.Samples said environmental impacts remain, including lighting, pavement and concerns about wildlife habitat."The high-intensity lighting remains on. At least 20 acres of new pavement were laid at the site over the past year," Samples said. "There's still harm to the Florida panther."The group's lawsuit is continuing in federal court.Samples also questioned the explanation that hurricane season concerns prompted the transfer of detainees."I think that this retreat under the guise of hurricane season is an excuse," she said. "I think the pressure that Floridians have mounted has made a difference."For now, while detainees are gone, the future of the facility remains uncertain.DHS has not said whether operations will resume after hurricane season or whether the site will eventually be dismantled.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.
