Immigration News Today: ICE Courts, TPS, and Alligator Alcatraz
Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center shut its doors on <strong>June 25, 2026</strong> — just one year after opening — after deporting 21,000 people and costing over $1.2 billion. At the same time, the Supreme Court handed down two major rulings that could affect asylum seekers and people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). And a federal judge just ruled that ICE cannot make arrests inside immigration courts. This week's immigration news is moving fast, and it affects real people right now.
Alligator Alcatraz Is Closed — But Its Impact Remains
Florida's Glades County detention facility, nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz' by critics, officially closed on June 25, 2026. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure at a press conference, saying the facility had processed and deported 21,000 people during its one year of operation. The total cost reached $1.2 billion. Human rights groups and environmental advocates had criticized the facility since it opened. DeSantis called it an 'emergency solution' while permanent detention options were being funded. Demobilization began on June 23, 2026, with full closure expected by June 30, 2026.
Supreme Court Backs Trump on Asylum and TPS
The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued two major rulings this week that support the Trump administration's immigration policies. First, the Court allowed officials to continue 'metering' — a policy that limits how many asylum seekers can request protection at the border each day, turning many people away. Second, the Court permitted the government to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — a program that protects people from countries facing war or disaster from being deported — for Haitian and Syrian nationals. These decisions could affect hundreds of thousands of people currently living in the US under TPS or waiting to apply for asylum.
Immigration Deadlines 2026 — Free
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Judge Rules ICE Cannot Arrest People at Immigration Courts
In a separate ruling, U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts blocked ICE from making arrests inside immigration courts. The judge said the Trump administration's arrest policies showed a 'complete lack of decision-making.' This is important for immigrants who have scheduled immigration court hearings (official appointments where a judge decides your immigration case). In other news, a federal judge dismissed a DOJ lawsuit against four New Jersey cities — Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson — over their sanctuary policies, which limit local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. And in Erie County, New York, a new law now bans businesses from using facial recognition technology, partly in response to concerns about immigration enforcement using biometric data.
What to Do
- If you have TPS: Check whether your country is affected by the Supreme Court ruling. Talk to an immigration lawyer about other options — such as applying for asylum or a green card — before your status ends.
- If you have an upcoming immigration court hearing: The court ruling protects you from ICE arrests inside the courtroom, but this may change. Do not skip your hearing. Attend with a lawyer if possible.
- If you are an asylum seeker at the border: The 'metering' policy is now legally allowed. Lawyers recommend documenting your situation and seeking legal help from a nonprofit immigration organization as soon as you can.
- Stay informed: These rulings can change quickly. Follow trusted immigration news sources and check USCIS.gov for official updates on your status.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
The Supreme Court's decision allowing 'metering' at the border and permitting TPS terminations for Haitian and Syrian nationals creates urgent deadlines for affected individuals — if your TPS is ending, you may still have options like asylum or other forms of relief, but you must act before your status expires. The ruling barring ICE arrests at immigration courts is a significant protection, but it is likely to be challenged, so do not assume you are fully safe simply by appearing in court. Consult an immigration attorney immediately to review your specific situation and explore every available option.