safety
Detainees moved out of "Alligator Alcatraz" over hurricane concerns, ICE says
By Camilo Montoya-Galvez at CBS4 Miami
· June 17, 2026
· 2 min read
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has moved detainees out of a controversial detention center in the Florida Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz," an ICE spokesperson told CBS News, citing safety concerns around hurricane season."For the safety of the illegal alien detainees, we transferr
Key takeaway CBS News Miami reported last month that companies hired by the state of Florida to operate Alligator Alcatraz were notified that the facility was being shut down, with roughly 1,400 remaining detainees expected to be removed.
Why this matters in The Miami
The relocation of detainees from "Alligator Alcatraz" due to hurricane concerns is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of South Florida's detention facilities. As a region prone to Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise, Miami-Dade County's infrastructure, including its detention centers, must be resilient to these threats. The fact that Alligator Alcatraz, located in the Everglades, poses weather-related risks to its detainees underscores the need for local authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals in their care. As the area's Latin American and Caribbean communities are disproportionately affected by immigration policies, it is crucial for local leaders to ensure that detention facilities are not only safe but also humane. The controversy surrounding Alligator Alcatraz has sparked intense criticism from immigration advocates and environmental groups, and its closure may have significant implications for the region's immigration detention policies.
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 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has moved detainees out of a controversial detention center in the Florida Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz," an ICE spokesperson told CBS News, citing safety concerns around hurricane season."For the safety of the illegal alien detainees, we transferr
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Camilo Montoya-Galvez 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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