Alligator Alcatraz faces closure order in major setback for Trump’s immigration plans

President Donald Trump’s flagship migrant detention center, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, is on the chopping block after a federal judge’s ruling that’s got the administration scrambling, as the Daily Mail reports.

Deep in the Florida Everglades, this facility — touted as the cornerstone of the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history — is set to be dismantled within two months, marking a stunning reversal just two months after its grand opening.

Let’s rewind to the start: Alligator Alcatraz, with a capacity for up to 5,000 detainees, was unveiled as the crown jewel of Trump’s tough-on-immigration stance.

Judge’s ruling shakes up detention policy

Last week, Miami U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, a Barack Obama appointee, dropped the hammer, ordering the facility’s closure, as reported by the Washington Post.

She even denied a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request to delay her order on Wednesday, showing no patience for bureaucratic foot-dragging.

Her decision stems from a lawsuit by Earthjustice and Friends of the Everglades, who argued the center was built without a proper environmental assessment — a classic case of skipping the fine print.

Environmental concerns take center stage

The plaintiffs, backed by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, claimed the facility posed a threat to the fragile Everglades ecosystem.

Tania Galloni, an attorney with Earthjustice, didn’t mince words, saying, “This is a detention center that never should have opened.” Well, that’s one way to rain on a parade, but let’s be honest—building in a swamp without a green light from environmental studies was always going to raise eyebrows.

Galloni added, “It’s gratifying that operations have come to a close there because every day that center operated, it was causing environmental harm.” Fair point, though one wonders if the same passion for nature extends to border security solutions.

Detainees moved at record speed

Now, DHS is in full compliance mode, relocating detainees to other facilities, though they’re tight-lipped on exactly where these unauthorized migrants awaiting deportation are headed.

Protesters outside the facility told the Washington Post they’ve seen busloads of detainees being shuttled out since last weekend, and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie predicted, “We are probably going to be down to 0 individuals within a few days.” That’s lightning-fast for government work—almost suspiciously so.

DHS spokesman Nathaniel Madden assured the public, “We are working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate for mass deportations.” Turbo speed or not, losing this facility is a gut punch to the administration’s plans.

Political fallout, finger-pointing begin

Madden also doubled down, stating, “DHS is complying with this order and moving detainees to other facilities. We will continue to fight tooth and nail to remove the worst of the worst from American streets.” Admirable grit, but it’s hard to ignore that a key piece of the deportation puzzle just got yanked off the board.

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis distanced himself, noting, “We don’t determine who goes into the facility…Who they send in or don’t send in is on their decision.” Sounds like a polite way of saying, “Not my circus, not my monkeys,” but it’s a reminder that state and federal priorities don’t always align.

DeSantis also commented, “I think he was just referring to they’re deporting them very quickly, and that’s a good thing.” Quick deportations may be a win, but losing Alligator Alcatraz to a courtroom battle over swamp grass feels like a self-inflicted wound — turns out, actions do have consequences, even for the boldest policies.