arts
Gov. DeSantis confirms Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" shutting down operations, all detainees relocated
By Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at "Alligator Alcatraz" on Thursday morning and confirmed that its mission has been fulfilled and there are no more detainees at the controversial immigration detention facility. DeSantis was joined by White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and Florida St
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" brings a complex mix of emotions to Miami's diverse communities, particularly in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, which have strong ties to Latin American and Caribbean countries. For many, the facility's shutdown is a welcome relief, given the harsh criticism it faced over detainee treatment and conditions. As the site's future is considered, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's proposal to turn it into protected Everglades land could have significant environmental implications for the region, which is already vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding. The conversion of the site could also have economic benefits for the county, potentially creating new opportunities for eco-tourism and job creation in the conservation sector. As the plan moves forward, it will be important to watch how the county balances the need for environmental protection with the potential economic benefits, and how this decision affects the surrounding communities.
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
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at "Alligator Alcatraz" on Thursday morning and confirmed that its mission has been fulfilled and there are no more detainees at the controversial immigration detention facility. DeSantis was joined by White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and Florida St
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 .
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