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Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor says
By JEFFREY COLLINS, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· June 25, 2026
· 1 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 i...
Key takeaway DeSantis said the center, which opened in July 2025, was always meant to be only temporary until more permanent [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
The closure of Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has implications for the Permian Basin area, where immigration and border security are pressing concerns. As a major hub for oil and gas production, the Midland-Odessa region attracts workers from across the country and internationally, making it a key location for immigration enforcement. The shutdown of the Florida facility may lead to increased scrutiny of detention centers in Texas, particularly those in the western part of the state. Local residents and community leaders may be watching to see if the closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" will lead to changes in immigration policy or enforcement strategies in the Permian Basin area. The region's city governments, including Odessa, may need to consider the potential impact on local resources and services if immigration policies shift in response to the closure.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa 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 Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 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 i...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JEFFREY COLLINS, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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