Weekly Protests Demand Closure of Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center in Florida
Alligator Alcatraz, a detention center located in Ochopee, Florida, has been the focal point of weekly Sunday vigils since August 2025, with protesters calling for its closure.
These vigils attract participants from across Florida and beyond, with organizers anticipating thousands of protesters during the holiday season.
The protests have continued following a federal judge's order to close the facility in August, a ruling that was subsequently reversed by an appeals court.
Noelle Damico of Workers Circle leads a coalition comprising church groups, labor unions, veterans, Native American tribes, and other advocates who organize the vigils.
Activists highlight alleged human-rights abuses and lack of due process at the jail as core issues motivating their demonstrations.
Among the detainees whose stories have been shared is Justo Betancourt, a Cuban-born man detained after an immigration check-in; he reportedly lacks access to insulin and was told it could be obtained in Mexico. His daughter, Arianne Betancourt, has spoken at the vigils.
Notable participants include Pastor Andy Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church, Vietnam-era veteran John Reynolds, and civil rights activist Lois Cohen, who characterize the detentions as unjust and dehumanizing.
Organizers frame the protests as part of a broader critique of U.S. detention policies, noting connections to policies from the Trump administration, Florida Governor DeSantis’ immigration stance, and other figures such as Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem.
Damico asserts that the closure of Alligator Alcatraz is not a matter of if, but when, emphasizing the continuation of organizing efforts and bus-filled weekends planned in the near term.
