The RecordExhibit 28
'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades
Ruled unlawfulLast checked Sep 30, 2026
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
A detention camp for immigrants was thrown up in the Florida Everglades as a showcase for Trump's deportation push; Trump joked that escapees would have to learn to dodge alligators.
What happened
Reporting found many detainees held there had no criminal history.
Where it stands
Judge Kathleen Williams ordered it wound down because no required environmental review was done; an appeals panel later paused that order.
The administration's side
DHS blamed an activist judge for blocking removal of the worst of the worst. Gov. DeSantis said you either have a country or you don't.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/alcatraz/