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NewsWPLG Local 10June 25, 2026Miami-Dade

Florida Governor to Announce Closure of 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center

Governor Ron DeSantis is set to announce the closure of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center in Collier County. Simultaneously, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is pursuing the sale of the site to the National Park Service for permanent Everglades conservation.

immigrationenvironmentland-useevergladesgovernment-property
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Why It Matters

The closure of the facility and the proposed sale to the National Park Service would permanently change the land use of the from a detention and aviation site to a protected environmental restoration area.

Key Facts

  • Governor Ron DeSantis is holding a press conference on Thursday at 11:15 a.m. at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' site.
  • The facility, officially known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, was recently evacuated of detainees due to hurricane concerns.
  • Mayor Daniella Levine Cava intends to sell the county-owned airport to the National Park Service and other Everglades restoration partners.
  • The sale is contingent upon the eventual permanent deactivation of the migrant detention center.
  • The county will evaluate the legal process required to transfer the land for incorporation into the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
  • The airport was originally built in the late 1960s as the 'Everglades Jetport' with plans for a supersonic hub that were never completed.
  • The county cites limited aviation utility, high maintenance costs, and environmental incompatibility as reasons for the reduced strategic value of the airport.

Who's Mentioned

personTom Homan“White House border czar participating in the press conference.”personAnthony Coker“Executive Director of the Florida State Immigration Control Board.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida scheduled to hold a press conference regarding the facility.”locationAlligator Alcatraz“Common name for the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport migrant detenti”personDaniella Levine Cava“Mayor of Miami-Dade County seeking to sell the airport property for conservation”organizationNational Park Service“Proposed buyer of the airport property for Everglades restoration.”