Dismantling has begun at the controversial migrant detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida's Everglades region. Satellite images confirm that the facility has been emptied and temporary structures are being removed.
Satellite Images Show Dismantling
Satellite photos obtained from Planet, comparing images between January 1 and June 30, 2026, revealed significant changes at the facility on the grounds of Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. The images show that areas previously occupied by tents and temporary structures are now empty and dismantling operations have started.
Prison in the Middle of the Swamps
Located between Miami and Naples in the heart of the Everglades wetlands, known for alligators and snakes, the facility was established in June 2025. The name 'Alligator Alcatraz' comes from its swampy location and its resemblance to the famous Alcatraz prison in the US.
Spread over an area of about 26 square kilometers, the facility had a capacity of 3,000 to 5,000 people and quickly expanded into a large detention complex. Satellite images recorded the transformation of the area from an empty runway to a tent city within a few months.
Transfers and Dismantling Decision
US immigration officials announced that detainees were transferred to other facilities due to the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. According to the New York Times, Florida state officials instructed contractors to dismantle tents, fences, trailers, and other temporary structures.
It is not yet clear how long the dismantling will take or whether all structures will be removed. However, satellite images clearly show that the facility is no longer in its former operational state.
Symbol of the Trump Era
'Alligator Alcatraz' became a symbol of former President Donald Trump's policies on detaining and deporting immigrants. Trump visited the facility in July 2025 together with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Florida's governor's office stated that the costs of similar facilities could be covered by federal partners, and the project was carried out as part of coordination between the state and federal government.
Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Costs
According to press reports, Florida received an initial reimbursement of $58 million from the federal government. Under a total reimbursement program of $608.4 million, the facility's cost to taxpayers is estimated to have exceeded $460 million so far. Some reports suggest that with the closure, the total cost could approach $1 billion.
Democratic Representative Maxwell Frost and the environmental group 'Friends of the Everglades' have claimed the cost could be $1.2 billion. The exact figure will become clear when official financial reports are published.
Environmental Criticism
The facility's location within the sensitive Everglades ecosystem has drawn intense criticism from environmental organizations since its establishment. With the dismantling process, questions have been raised about whether all temporary structures will be completely removed and the extent of the damage caused to the region.
Closure or Pause?
The emptying and dismantling of the facility raises the question of whether it is a permanent closure or a temporary measure due to hurricane season. Officials have not made a final statement on the matter. Future satellite images will reveal whether the dismantling covers all structures.
Warning from Amnesty International
Amnesty International emphasized that the closure of 'Alligator Alcatraz' does not end the ordeal of migrants and asylum seekers. The organization noted that many detainees have been sent to other centers such as Krome in Florida, and more than 60,000 people are held in over 100 facilities across the US. Pointing out that 31 people died in detention centers in 2025 and 19 in the first half of 2026, Amnesty warned that mass deportation policies are pushing migrants into even worse conditions.
