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Activists Denounce Opacity on Migrant Future, Demand Definitive Closure of US 'Alligator Alcatraz'

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Activists in the U.S. are denouncing a lack of transparency from authorities regarding the relocation of migrants and the potential permanent closure of the Alligator Alcatraz detention center.
  • The controversial facility, located in a vulnerable area west of Miami, was partially evacuated due to hurricane season, but organizations claim it remains operational and the transfer is a cosmetic measure.
  • Environmental and human rights groups are pursuing legal action, arguing the center poses an ecological threat to the Everglades and demanding its definitive closure.

Environmental and human rights organizations in the United States are protesting what they call a lack of transparency surrounding the future of migrants and the Alligator Alcatraz detention center. The controversial facility, situated in a geographically vulnerable area west of Miami, underwent a partial evacuation due to the Atlantic hurricane season. However, groups like Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Earthjustice assert the center remains operational and the government's transfer of detainees is merely a superficial action.

These organizations, which filed a lawsuit in 2025 against the administrations of former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, argue that the facility was conceived and built without public input and operated in secrecy. "These facilities were conceived behind closed doors, built without public participation, and operated in secret. Now, they appear to be being deactivated without explanation on how the site will be remediated or a commitment to permanent closure," stated Paul J. Schwiep, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs.

These facilities were conceived behind closed doors, built without public participation, and operated in secret. Now, they appear to be being deactivated without explanation on how the site will be remediated or a commitment to permanent closure.

— Paul J. SchwiepA lawyer representing the activist groups, explaining their concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the detention center's future.

The activists emphasize that the complex, opened in July 2025, poses an imminent ecological threat to the protected Everglades ecosystem. They point to ongoing heavy machinery movement, industrial lighting, and the constant flow of hazardous materials within the perimeter as evidence. "The transfer of detained individuals out of this dystopian hell is an important milestone, but it is not enough," said Elise Bennett, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Tania Galloni of Earthjustice echoed this sentiment, warning that risks to both people and the environment persist.

The ultimate goal of the lawsuit is to dismantle the infrastructure and prevent similar projects in the future. The groups plan to continue their legal actions despite the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirming the relocation of migrants to other federal detention centers. This stance directly contrasts with the state executive's position, with Governor DeSantis reportedly denying the allegations.

The transfer of detained individuals out of this dystopian hell is an important milestone, but it is not enough.

— Elise BennettAn attorney and director for Florida and the Caribbean at the Center for Biological Diversity, commenting on the partial evacuation of the facility.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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