safety
Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center has closed, governor says
By Sebastian Cuervo at WSVN 7 News
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
The Florida Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has served its purpose, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups. DeSantis said the center was always meant t
Key takeaway Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups.
Why this matters in The Miami
The closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in the Florida Everglades has significant implications for Miami 's large Latin American and Caribbean communities. Many families in Miami have been affected by the detention and deportation of loved ones, and the facility's shutdown does little to address the underlying issues of immigration enforcement and detention. The fact that detainees were relocated to other facilities rather than released or given alternative forms of detention suggests that the closure is more of a logistical shift than a policy change. As Miami continues to grapple with the effects of immigration policies, the city's residents will be watching to see how the closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" affects the lives of immigrants and their families in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood. The economic and social impacts of immigration enforcement will likely remain a major concern for Miami's communities.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . 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 WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Florida Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has served its purpose, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups. DeSantis said the center was always meant t
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sebastian Cuervo at WSVN 7 News. 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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