Controversial Closure: Alligator Alcatraz Guards Charged with Battery, Facility Shut Down in Florida Everglades
Two guards at the former detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," have been charged with battery of an inmate, as per court records. Andre Junior Seenaraine and Stephen Jordan Trejos were accused of intentionally touching or striking a Hispanic male detainee against his will. The details of the incident were not disclosed, but the charges were filed in Collier County.
The closure of the detention center was completed in July, with aerial footage showing the empty site in the Everglades. Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the facility was always intended to be temporary until more permanent detention centers could be established. The announcement of the closure was made during a news conference at the site, also known as Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, with White House Border Czar Tom Homan in attendance.
DeSantis emphasized that "Alligator Alcatraz" had served its purpose and now had zero detainees, with migrants being transferred to federal custody. The closure was prompted by concerns about the safety of keeping detainees in the Everglades during hurricane season. The facility, which was hastily constructed in July 2025, faced criticism from immigration advocates for its poor conditions and lack of access to legal representation for detainees.
The closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" has sparked mixed reactions, with advocates expressing concerns about the well-being of detainees who were abruptly moved to other facilities. The Florida Immigrant Coalition criticized the closure, stating that it only benefited corporations and contractors while failing to address the challenges faced by individuals in custody. Despite the closure of the detention center, DeSantis confirmed that the airstrip in the Everglades would continue to be utilized for other purposes.
In conclusion, the closure of the former detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," marked the end of a controversial chapter in the state's immigration enforcement efforts. The facility, which faced criticism for its conditions and treatment of detainees, has now been vacated, with migrants transferred to other facilities. The closure has raised concerns among advocates about the well-being of detainees and the impact of the facility's operations on immigrant communities.