Gov. DeSantis announces closure of Alligator Alcatraz

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the shutdown of the Everglades Detention Facility, also known as Alligator Alcatraz, on Thursday.

While speaking at a news conference outside of Alligator Alcatraz, DeSantis confirmed that the facility is in the process of closing.

"Alligator Alcatraz has fulfilled the role it was meant to do...Zero detainees now, demobilization efforts at this facility are underway," DeSantis said. "We were able to efficiently execute the mission when called upon."

The closure of the facility had been rumored for weeks, with speculation ramping up last week as detainees at Alligator Alcatraz were relocated. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cited hurricane season as the reason for the relocation of detainees.

The controversial facility has been the topic of heated debate since it opened in July 2025. Reports of inhumane conditions emerged just weeks after the facility opened.

"There is no question that this mission made the state of Florida safer," Gov. DeSantis said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.