DeSantis permanently closes ICE detention center ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Published June 25, 2026 2:43pm ET



Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announced Thursday that the state has permanently closed the controversial Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

The closure comes just weeks after Florida temporarily evacuated the facility amid concerns that the tent-based complex would not withstand the hurricane season. Detainees housed at the site were transferred to other detention facilities.

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