Story perspectives

Florida Detention Center Patch Controversy Costs Taxpayers $1.5B

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

A controversy has emerged at Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center in Florida over patches worn by officers, drawing public backlash and concerns over costs to Florida taxpayers up to $1.5 billion.
An activist said Officer Steven Martinez claimed to have created patches featuring a Grim Reaper on an alligator skull.
A former detainee confirmed seeing the emblem.
Mike King, an emergency management consultant, said he had never seen the patch.

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Story summary

A controversy has emerged at Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center in Florida over patches worn by officers, drawing public backlash and concerns over costs to Florida taxpayers up to $1.5 billion.
An activist said Officer Steven Martinez claimed to have created patches featuring a Grim Reaper on an alligator skull.
A former detainee confirmed seeing the emblem.
Mike King, an emergency management consultant, said he had never seen the patch.