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According to Gov. Ron DeSantis, “Alligator Alcatraz,” located deep in the Florida Everglades, is permanently closed. The center, opening just under a year ago, was a temporary solution for what would eventually become more updated, stable, and secure facilities. Federal officials now have the capacity to build them.

"We stepped up because there was a gap, but my hope is that they'll be able to handle that," the Republican governor said at a news conference at the facility. Daily Press

​In June, officials announced the facility’s temporary closure, saying hurricane season created unsafe conditions for detainees. Immigration advocates claim the center’s tents were never safe to begin with. Detainees also describe poor living conditions, minimal access to legal counsel, and a lack of air conditioning.

​“Alligator Alcatraz” was built in a matter of days, consisting of tents and trailers. President Donald Trump and the governor said the center was crucial for returning illegal immigrants to their countries, which contributed to its expedited construction. The Florida Immigrant Coalition and advocates for immigrants say the facility dropped the ball on detainees, taking them from their families only to spend months in custody. DeSantis disagreed, stating, "There is no question this mission has made the state of Florida safer.” PBS

​Tom Homan, White House border czar, agrees with DeSantis, saying Florida is setting the precedent for immigration enforcement nationwide. "Gov. DeSantis did a good job, and he's going to continue doing what he's doing to help us make this country safe again," Homan said. "This isn't the end of relationship. This is a continuation." CHRON

​Built with minimal supervision and closed without input, state and federal governments will still be held accountable despite its closure, believes Paul J. Schwiep, attorney for Friends of the Everglades. "The administration believes it can quietly walk away and leave its mess for others to clean up. The law will not allow them to escape accountability. We will ask the courts to ensure that the environmental damage is fully addressed," Schwiep stated Thursday. PBS