Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" Shutting Down Permanently, Sources Say
Updated on: June 22, 2026 / 1:07 PM EDT / CBS Miami
TL;DR
- Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration facility is being demobilized.
- The $1.2 billion experiment was initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump as a potential model for other states.
- Vendors were notified to begin dismantling the facility, with the process expected to take about a week.
- The closure is primarily due to the escalating cost of operation, estimated at $1.2 billion.
- Despite initial state claims, federal reimbursement for the facility's expenses has been delayed.
- Conditions at the detention center faced severe criticism from human rights groups.
- The site is expected to be reopened as a small airport for pilot training.