Tallahassee, Florida – Florida still owes at least $603 million to contractors tied to its state-run immigration enforcement push, including companies that helped build and operate detention sites known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot.”
Florida Phoenix, part of News From The States, reported that the unpaid money is owed to 27 companies under active contracts reviewed by the outlet. The largest remaining bills include $122 million to a portable toilet and sanitation company, $79 million to a detention center operator, and $65 million to a security contractor.
The findings expand the known cost of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ immigration operation. The Miami Herald previously found that Florida had committed at least $991 million in no-bid contracts for the two detention facilities, most of it tied to Alligator Alcatraz.
DeSantis has defended the costs, arguing the state is saving money by removing undocumented immigrants and aligning with President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. Critics say the spending has strained an emergency fund intended for disasters such as hurricanes.
Florida has been promised a $608 million federal reimbursement grant, but Phoenix reported the state has received only $58 million so far. Federal rules also limit how the money can be used.
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