TODAY. WESH TWO NEWS STARTS NOW WITH BREAKING NEWS. THAT BREAKING NEWS IS OUT OF SOUTH FLORIDA IN THE LAST HOUR, GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED THAT THE DETENTION FACILITY, KNOWN AS ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ, WILL BE SHUT DOWN. DETAINEES HAVE ALREADY BEEN MOVED OUT. THE MAYOR OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED PLANS TO SELL THE LAND USED FOR THE FACILITY TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. WE CONTINUE TO LISTEN TO THE GOVERNOR’S REM
Gov. DeSantis announces closure of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention facility in Florida
Updated: 12:47 PM EDT Jun 25, 2026
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the official closure of the detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in South Florida. DeSantis said the facility was always supposed to be temporary. During a visit to the immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades back in May, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost said he saw signs that operations were winding down.As of May 2026, Gov. DeSantis said 22,000 immigrants had been sent there for deportation since opening in 2025.The Department of Homeland Security said all detainees have been transferred to other facilities.The mayor of Miami-Dade County also announced plans to sell the land used for the facility to the National Park Service.
South Florida —
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the official closure of the detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in South Florida.
DeSantis said the facility was always supposed to be temporary.
During a visit to the immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades back in May, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost said he saw signs that operations were winding down.
As of May 2026, Gov. DeSantis said 22,000 immigrants had been sent there for deportation since opening in 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security said all detainees have been transferred to other facilities.
The mayor of Miami-Dade County also announced plans to sell the land used for the facility to the National Park Service.