Overview
- Authorities told on-site contractors Tuesday that the Everglades immigration detention center will shut and operations will wind down, according to multiple U.S. media reports.
- About 1,400 people are held at the site, and the last detainee is expected to leave in June, though officials have not said where people will be moved.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that federal officials had discussed closing the facility at a higher level before this week’s notices.
- News outlets reporting on the decision cite operating costs near $1 billion as a likely factor, without a formal federal explanation so far.
- Opened last summer by President Donald Trump, the swamp-side location was billed as an escape deterrent due to alligators and quickly drew environmental lawsuits and protests.