Discrepancies Surface Over Detainees at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:08:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Recent filings by U.S. government attorneys reveal inconsistencies with claims made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about detainees at the controversial immigration detention center located in the Everglades. The revelations raise questions about the legal status of the detainees and access to representation.

U.S. Department of Justice lawyers have stated in court documents that detainees at the Everglades immigration detention center, referred to as 'Alligator Alcatraz', include individuals who may not have undergone removal proceedings, contradicting Governor Ron DeSantis’ assertions that all detainees are subject to final orders of removal. This revelation has emerged amid ongoing legal challenges regarding the detainees' rights to legal access.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — U.S. government lawyers have pointed out a significant inconsistency regarding the detainees at the Florida Everglades immigration detention center, dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz'. According to recent court filings by attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice, it is possible that some detainees have never actually gone through removal proceedings. This detail presents a stark contrast to the claims made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis since the facility opened in July.

In the court filing, DOJ attorneys argued that the detainees at the Everglades center come from various immigration backgrounds, which prevents them from being classified collectively in the ongoing lawsuit regarding access to legal representation. The filing explains, 'The proposed class includes all detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, a facility that houses individuals in all stages of immigration processing.'

Since the facility’s inception, Governor DeSantis has repeatedly stated that every detainee has received a final order of removal, emphasizing during a July press conference that 'Everybody here is already on a final removal order.'

Amid growing civil rights concerns, multiple lawsuits have been introduced, seeking to ensure detainees at the facility have adequate access to legal counsel. A federal judge in Miami had previously ruled that operations at the facility should wind down due to environmental violations, but this order was halted by an appellate court.

The DOJ’s findings raise serious questions about the legal processes involved at the detention center and the state's handling of immigration issues, with DeSantis’ office yet to respond regarding these allegations. Furthermore, the implications of the federal approval for $608 million in reimbursement costs for the facility's operation underline the ongoing contentious relationship with immigration policies in the state.

As legal proceedings unfold, the intersection between immigration enforcement and civil rights remains a critical focal point, drawing significant public and legal scrutiny.