safety
Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" shutting down permanently, sources say
By Jim DeFede at CBS4 Miami
· June 22, 2026
· 4 min read
Companies hired by the state to operate the Florida immigration facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" were notified Monday morning to begin "full demobilization" of the facility, quietly bringing an ignominious close a $1.2 billion experiment that had once been hailed by Governor Ron DeSantis and P
Key takeaway 2 billion experiment that had once been hailed by Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump as a model other states should pursue, four sources familiar with the operations of the detention center told CBS News Miami .
Why this matters in The Miami
The closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" has significant implications for Miami-Dade County, given the facility's location in the Florida Everglades, just a short distance from the county's borders. As the site is set to reopen as a small airport for pilot training, local residents may be concerned about the potential impact on air traffic and noise levels in the area. Furthermore, the $1.2 billion price tag for the detention center's operation raises questions about the allocation of state funds, particularly in a region like South Florida, where resources are often diverted to address pressing issues like hurricane preparedness and sea-level rise. The decision to close the facility due to escalating costs may also spark debate about the effectiveness of such investments in the state's migrant detention policies, and how they align with the needs and priorities of local communities 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 22, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Companies hired by the state to operate the Florida immigration facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" were notified Monday morning to begin "full demobilization" of the facility, quietly bringing an ignominious close a $1.2 billion experiment that had once been hailed by Governor Ron DeSantis and P
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 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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