OCHOPEE, Fla. — For weeks, rumors have been circulating that Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial immigration detention facility in the Everglades, is set to close in June. The facility is costing Florida taxpayers about $1 million a day.
On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis answered more questions about the future of the detention center, though he still did not give a definitive yes or no on whether it will shut down.
DeSantis defended Florida’s involvement in hosting the immigration facility in the middle of the Everglades.
“We did it because we were asked to do it and I’m happy that we saved Floridians from having to face 22,000, many of whom would have done, I think, some bad things,” DeSantis said. “Well, they may not always keep them. We always said it was going to be temporary. They haven’t told us they don’t want it anymore.”
The governor also made it clear he would prefer the federal government handle immigration enforcement entirely.
“I would rather not have anything to do with this,” DeSantis said. “I’d rather just have our laws enforced, our border secure and have the federal government handle 100% of it. That would be fine with me. I know if Florida didn’t stand up, this job wasn’t going to get done the way it needed to get done.”
Earlier Thursday morning, Local 10 News was exclusively there as detainee Justo Bentacourt reunited with his family after spending six months at the detention center.
Bentacourt said he has heard from staff inside the facility that the detention center will shut down.
“That’s what he said,” Bentacourt said. “I have to see it first before I say it’s closed and it never closes.”
Attempts to deport Bentacourt to both Cuba and Mexico failed because of his health condition. This week, a judge granted his release after he spent more than 180 days in detention.
“January 23rd they were supposed to send me home,” Bentacourt said. “Cuba didn’t accept me. Mexico didn’t accept me. Why are you letting me stay over there for what? For nothing.”
Vendors paid by the state also confirmed to Local 10 News that they have been notified the detention center will close next month to allow time for logistics and related operations to wrap up, with the goal of shutting it down before hurricane season.
Local 10 News reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and received a statement attributed to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
“FEMA is working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the State of Florida,” the statement said. “Reimbursement requests are in process. Updates will be provided as the process continues.”
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