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Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor says
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
The Florida Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has served its purpose, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups.DeSantis said the center, which opened in...
Key takeaway DeSantis said the center, which opened in July 2025, was always meant to be only temporary until more permanent detention centers could be secured and federal officials now have that capacity.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The closure of Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has implications for San Antonio , given the city's own experiences with immigration and detention. As a major urban center in Texas, San Antonio has long been a hub for immigration advocacy and support services. The conditions described at "Alligator Alcatraz" - poor physical conditions, limited access to lawyers, and inadequate healthcare - are likely to resonate with local advocates who have worked to address similar concerns at detention facilities in Texas. The fact that the Florida facility was able to deport 21,000 people raises questions about the potential impact on San Antonio's own immigrant communities, and whether similar efforts to increase immigration enforcement could be implemented in Texas. As the White House continues to play a key role in immigration enforcement, San Antonio residents may be watching closely to see how these policies affect their city and its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Florida Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has served its purpose, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday, closing the makeshift facility heralded by the Trump administration and denounced as inhumane by civil rights groups.DeSantis said the center, which opened in...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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