Judge Blocks Expansion of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Center/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A federal judge has halted the expansion of a controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The decision cites environmental law violations and the failure to consider alternative sites. Governor DeSantis’ administration has vowed to appeal the ruling.
Florida Detention Center Ruling: Quick Looks
- Judge issues preliminary injunction to stop expansion of Everglades detention facility.
- Facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” located on sensitive wetlands.
- Federal and state officials ordered to wind down operations within 60 days.
- Lawsuit argues environmental laws were ignored and wildlife endangered.
- Judge cited lack of justification for building in the Everglades.
- Ruling praised by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe.
- Facility described by detainees as unsafe, unsanitary, and overcrowded.
- DeSantis administration files appeal; deportations to continue.
Judge Blocks Expansion of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Center
Deep Look
MIAMI — A federal judge has ordered the immediate halt of construction and further expansion at a controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades, delivering a major blow to Governor Ron DeSantis’ immigration enforcement efforts. Known informally as “Alligator Alcatraz,” the center has drawn national scrutiny for its environmental impact and the conditions faced by detainees.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued an 82-page preliminary injunction that prohibits further development at the site and calls for a gradual shutdown of its operations. Within 60 days, the population of detainees must be reduced, and infrastructure like fencing, lighting, and power generators must be removed, she ruled.
“What is apparent… is that in their haste to construct the detention camp, the State did not consider alternative locations,” Judge Williams wrote.
The state of Florida filed a notice of appeal within hours of the decision. DeSantis spokesperson Alex Lanfranconi downplayed the ruling, stating, “The deportations will continue until morale improves.”
Environmental Law Violations and Preservation Efforts
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by environmental advocates and the Miccosukee Tribe, who argued that the facility violates federal environmental laws and threatens the fragile Everglades ecosystem.
Judge Williams agreed, writing that the state must pause to conduct proper environmental assessments, noting the decades-long bipartisan effort to preserve the Everglades. She cited historical commitments from “every Florida governor, every Florida senator, and countless local and national political figures, including presidents,” in support of protecting the region.
“This order does nothing more than uphold the basic requirements of legislation designed to fulfill those promises,” she added.
Environmentalists have heralded the ruling as a landmark victory. Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, called it a “clear message that environmental laws must be respected at the highest levels.”
Miccosukee Tribe: A Fight for Sovereignty
Miccosukee Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypress issued a strong statement in support of the ruling, saying:
“We will always stand up for our culture, our sovereignty, and for the Everglades.”
The tribe, whose ancestral lands are directly affected by the facility’s construction, joined environmental groups in challenging what they saw as a direct threat to both their heritage and Florida’s natural resources.
Inside “Alligator Alcatraz”: Conditions Raise Alarms
Built just two months ago on a remote training airstrip in the Everglades, the detention facility has already drawn serious complaints from detainees and advocates.
Described as overcrowded and unsanitary, the camp holds several hundred immigrants in temporary tent structures with the capacity to detain up to 3,000 people. Inside, detainees report worms in the food, overflowing toilets, days without showers, lack of medication, mosquito infestations, and malfunctioning air conditioners.
“It’s inhumane,” said one attorney involved in the case. “It’s not a detention facility — it’s a human rights violation in progress.”
Witnesses testified that more than 20 acres of asphalt have been added, raising concerns about toxic runoff, disruption to endangered species’ habitats, and irreversible damage to wetland ecosystems.
State and Federal Tensions Over Responsibility
Although the detainees are under federal custody, the state of Florida argued that the facility’s construction and operation fall solely under state authority — a claim used to deflect federal environmental law.
However, Judge Williams rejected that argument, calling the facility a joint partnership between state and federal agencies. Her ruling makes clear that federal environmental law applies, even if the initiative was largely led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Attorneys for both the state and federal governments previously attempted to dismiss or relocate the case, arguing jurisdictional issues. Williams ruled Thursday that her court was the proper venue.
Trump’s Role and Nationwide Implications
President Donald Trump visited the detention center last month, touting it as a model for future immigration enforcement. His administration plans to expand similar facilities nationwide in preparation for an anticipated surge in deportations.
The Florida facility was seen as a test case, one that may now shape future legal battles as the federal government attempts to build new detention centers in environmentally sensitive or rural areas.
Another Detention Center in the Works
Despite the ruling, the DeSantis administration appears to be planning another immigration detention site, this time at a Florida National Guard training center in north Florida. That project is expected to face similar legal and environmental challenges if it moves forward.
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