'Alligator Alcatraz': Lawsuits threaten to upend Trump administration’s immigration detention operations

The Trump administration’s migrant detention center in the Everglades has become the subject of two lawsuits, which are threatening to derail the facility’s operations as the government employs novel tactics to crack down on immigration enforcement.

Judge could decide to close 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility
video

Another ruling could come on "Alligator Alcatraz's" operations on Wednesday. A judge will decide whether to temporarily shut down the controversial immigration detention center facility located in South Florida.

Florida GOP pulls immigration merchandise after Home Depot pushback: 'Deport Depot'

The Republican Party of Florida removed deportation-themed shirts, hats and other merchandise from its website that featured a logo similar to Home Depot's after the retailer raised objections.

Top 4 news stories you need to know: August 19, 2025
video

FOX 35's John Brown and Garrett Wymer break down the top news stories of the day, from a planned extradition hearing for an illegal migrant semi-truck driver accused of making an illegal u-turn that caused a deadly crash killing 3 people on the Florida Turnpike, the Manatee County Sheriff showing video of the last moments Giovanni Pelletier was seen before his disappearance and resulting death, a running trail sexual assault suspect in custody in Seminole County and an SUV plowing through a window and into influencers recording themselves eating at a Texas restaurant.

DeSantis talks deadly semi track on Florida Turnpike
video

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke on Tuesday morning at Voyager K-8 in St. Cloud. Before he began speaking on his topic for the day, he touched upon Harjinder Singh, who will have a potential extradition hearing on Tuesday afternoon to be brought to Florida to face three vehicular manslaughter charges.

10 children rescued from Nebraska human trafficking ring, ICE says

ICE officials reported finding the victims in dirty motel rooms in the Nebraska area and they arrested multiple people linked to the human trafficking ring.

Trump expands ‘Good Moral Character’ review for US citizenship

The Trump administration is ordering a “rigorous, holistic, and comprehensive" approach to evaluating U.S. citizenship applicants.

Illegal immigrant charged with DUI after crashing into fence, leaving scene: PCSO

A Nicaraguan man in the U.S. illegally is facing serious charges after Polk County deputies say he crashed into a fenced yard while drunk, then walked away from the scene.

Florida opens Deportation Depot amid legal concerns
video

Florida's new immigration detention facility Deportation Depot is scheduled to open in North Florida in the next few weeks to expand Florida's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants and allow the Governor Ron DeSantis administration to continue supporting President Donald Trump's illegal immigration enforcement and mass deportation policies. Legal questions surround Deportation Depot and Alligator Alcatraz, the Everglades immigration detention camp in South Florida regarding the state's authority to detain federal immigration detainees and recent changes to the state partnerships with ICE and Border Patrol, as well as blurred lines between whether the immigration detention facilities are the responsibility of state or federal officials. Elizabeth Ricci, immigration attorney and FSU adjunct professor joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down these legal questions, where the multiple lawsuits against Alligator Alcatraz may end up and that litigation's potential impacts on Deportation Depot and other immigration detention facilities across Florida and the United States.

DeSantis announces second Florida immigration detention facility 'Deportation Depot'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his plans to expand the state's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants through a new “Deportation Depot."

DeSantis announces plans for Florida immigration detention expansion
video

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his plans to expand the state's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants through a new "Deportation Depot." DeSantis said he's confident Florida needs additional capacity to host undocumented immigrants in addition to "Alligator Alcatraz" in South Florida. The new "Deportation Depot" will be able to hold more than 1,300 detainees with the same services offered as Alligator Alcatraz.

FDLE Orlando arrests undocumented immigrant, wanted 'felon and fugitive': officials

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Orlando recently assisted in arresting an undocumented immigrant who officials say is a wanted “aggravated felon and fugitive."

Immigrant detainees could be sent to notorious Louisiana prison soon, reports say

The Trump administration is reportedly in talks with Louisiana officials to send immigrant detainees to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, the country’s largest maximum security prison.

Alligator Alcatraz: Future construction stopped for 14 days at Florida ICE facility over environmental issues

A federal judge has halted – at least, temporarily – future construction projects at Alligator Alcatraz, the immigration detention facility built at a former airport in the middle of the Florida Everglades, according to the Associated Press.

Alligator Alcatraz environmental lawsuit: Testimony offered by State Rep. Anna Eskamani

An Orlando-area state representative testified Wednesday in a federal lawsuit that could shut down a controversial aviation site in the heart of the Florida Everglades, known by critics as “Alligator Alcatraz.”