NewsStateMiami-Dade

Actions

Gov. Ron DeSantis holds news conference at Alligator Alcatraz

State and federal officials have already moved detainees out, with ICE citing hurricane-season safety concerns
desantis.jpg
Alligator Alcatraz
Posted
and last updated

OCHOPEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis and White House Border Czar Tom Homan held a Thursday morning news conference at Alligator Alcatraz.

The briefing was held following recent reports that the facility was closing soon.

WATCH BELOW:

This comes nearly a year after the controversial opening of the detention center deep in the Everglades that included a visit from President Donald Trump.

State and federal officials have already moved detainees out, with ICE citing hurricane-season safety concerns.

Alligator Alcatraz population dropping. Where are detainees going?

DeSantis has argued the temporary site served its purpose by helping with immigration enforcement, but the closure comes after months of criticism over the facility’s cost, legal access, religious access and alleged treatment of detainees.

Stay with WPTV.com and WPTV News for updates.

Read more of WPTV's coverage below:

Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Alligator Alcatraz population dropping. Where are detainees going?

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Congressman visits Alligator Alcatraz, sees signs of shutdown

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

State

Florida officials say no formal shutdown plan for 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Forrest Saunders
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Judge rejects push to pause Alligator Alcatraz phone order

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Alligator Alcatraz closure talks spark reaction from plaintiffs in lawsuits

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Florida fights court order for Alligator Alcatraz facility changes

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Court allows Alligator Alcatraz immigration facility to remain open

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Governments plan to appeal 'Alligator Alcatraz' civil rights order

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Lawmaker calls Alligator Alcatraz 'inhumane' after unannounced visit

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz news conference Miami

WPTV Investigates

Judges ask: Could Florida repurpose 'Alligator Alcatraz' land tomorrow?

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Panel of judges keeps Alligator Alcatraz environmental lawsuit on hold

Jamie Ostroff
Alligator Alcatraz

WPTV Investigates

Florida requested $1.5B for Alligator Alcatraz, documents show

Jamie Ostroff