safety
CBS News Miami investigates the cost of Alligator Alcatraz after its shutdown
By Jim DeFede at CBS4 Miami
· June 28, 2026
· 10 min read
On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closing of Alligator Alcatraz, the highly controversial immigration detention center that was the subject of numerous lawsuits as well as allegations of abuse."Alligator Alcatraz fulfilled the role that it was designed to serve," DeSantis said. "Today
Key takeaway "Alligator Alcatraz fulfilled the role that it was designed to serve," DeSantis said.
Why this matters in The Miami
The shutdown of Alligator Alcatraz raises questions about the financial burden on Miami -Dade County taxpayers, who have already shouldered the costs of supporting a major hub for immigration and detention operations. With the facility's estimated total cost of $1.2 billion, it is likely that local residents will be impacted by the economic fallout. The exorbitant daily cost of $3,571 per detainee, compared to the national average of $165, will undoubtedly spark debate about the allocation of resources in the county. As the county grapples with pressing issues like sea-level rise and hurricane preparedness, the financial mismanagement of Alligator Alcatraz will likely face scrutiny from local officials and residents. The Krome Detention Center, another immigration facility in the area, may also face increased scrutiny as a result of this controversy, potentially leading to a reevaluation of immigration detention policies in Miami-Dade County.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closing of Alligator Alcatraz, the highly controversial immigration detention center that was the subject of numerous lawsuits as well as allegations of abuse."Alligator Alcatraz fulfilled the role that it was designed to serve," DeSantis said. "Today
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim DeFede at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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