DeSantis: No word from feds on closing 'Alligator Alcatraz'

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — Questions have been swirling for days about whether the immigrant detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” could soon begin winding down operations.

But on Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis told WINK News that is not what he is hearing from the federal government right now.

During a news conference in Lee County, WINK News Anchor Claire Galt asked DeSantis whether he had personally heard from President Donald Trump or the Department of Homeland Security about shutting the facility down.

“I have not talked to the President about it, but I've talked to Tom Homan about it,” DeSantis said. “He does not want to relinquish the ability to use those beds, was my understanding.”

The comments come after recent speculation the facility could eventually close as DHS receives billions in new federal funding to expand detention operations nationwide.

DeSantis acknowledged DHS now has “a massive infusion of money” and could eventually expand its own detention capabilities enough to reduce Florida’s role.

“At some point, if they tell us that they have what it takes, I'm all for that,” DeSantis said. “They have not told us that that is what is going to happen right now, though.”

Last week, DeSantis said the facility was always intended to be temporary.

Florida is also still waiting on more than $608 million in federal reimbursement money tied to the facility.

For now, though, DeSantis’s comments suggest the federal government still wants the detention beds available.