Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday that operations at the immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” are winding down.
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He made the announcement at a news conference at the site, also known as Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, while joined by White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
“The demobilization efforts at this facility are underway,” the governor said.
DeSantis said “Alligator Alcatraz” has “fulfilled the role that it was designed to serve” and “today it now has zero detainees.” The migrants held there remain in federal custody, he said.
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Earlier, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava had announced the county’s intent to sell the isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles west of downtown Miami the land to the National Park Service once the facility was decommissioned.
“From the very beginning, I have raised serious concerns about the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention facility because people have been held there in inhumane conditions without meaningful due process, while occupying land alongside one of the world’s most precious natural ecosystems,” the mayor said in the news release. “Once this facility is decommissioned, we have an opportunity to permanently protect these lands for Everglades restoration and ensure they remain protected for generations to come. That is the legacy we should leave.”
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This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.