arts
Florida Gov. DeSantis to speak at "Alligator Alcatraz" amid reports that the immigration detention center is closing
By Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference at "Alligator Alcatraz" this Thursday morning amid reports that the controversial immigration detention facility is shutting down.DeSantis is expected to be joined by White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and Florida State Board of Immigration Enfo
Key takeaway Earlier this week, CBS News Miami 's Jim DeFede reported that vendors hired by the state to operate "Alligator Alcatraz" were notified that they were to begin "full demobilization" of the facility, quietly bringing a close to the $1.
Why this matters in The Miami
The closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" has significant implications for Miami's Latin American and Caribbean communities, who have been vocal about the facility's treatment of detainees. Many residents in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood have family members or friends who have been affected by the immigration detention system, and the facility's shutdown may bring a sense of relief to those who have advocated for more humane treatment of detainees. The decision to close the facility also raises questions about the future of immigration enforcement in South Florida, and how it will impact the region's already complex relationships with federal and state authorities. As the area is prone to Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise, the closure of the facility may also prompt discussions about the use of the site and its potential for redevelopment, potentially impacting the surrounding communities in Ochopee and beyond.
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: arts ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The Miami stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering arts and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference at "Alligator Alcatraz" this Thursday morning amid reports that the controversial immigration detention facility is shutting down.DeSantis is expected to be joined by White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and Florida State Board of Immigration Enfo
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Yablonski 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 arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More arts →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter