Overview
- State contractors were told on Monday to start full demobilization and the facility has been emptied after detainees were moved out earlier this month for hurricane-season safety.
- The site’s operations cost is now estimated at roughly $1.2 billion and Florida has an approved federal reimbursement request of about $608 million that has not been fully paid because of litigation and environmental reviews.
- Vendor contracts include demobilization clauses that let companies charge fees, leaving firms with unpaid invoices and exposing the state to potential additional tens of millions in demobilization costs.
- The camp, built in July 2025 in days on a decommissioned Everglades runway, processed roughly 20,000–22,000 people and drew lawsuits and criticism alleging overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, use of force, restricted legal access, and ecological harm.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier said the site ‘is no longer necessary’ and expressed a goal to return the property to protected Everglades status while observers watch for formal closure orders, federal payments, vendor claims, and land‑restoration plans.