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Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor says
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· 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 Terrell Hills News
The closure of Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has implications for the San Antonio area, where many immigrants and refugees have settled. As a major city in a border state, San Antonio has long been a hub for immigration and refugee services, and the treatment of detainees in facilities like "Alligator Alcatraz" is of great concern to local advocates. The conditions described at the Florida facility, including poor access to lawyers and substandard living conditions, are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants in detention centers across the country, including those in Texas. As the federal government continues to play a significant role in immigration enforcement, San Antonio residents will be watching to see how the closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" affects local detention centers and the broader immigration landscape in the state.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News 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) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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