Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, halting construction for two weeks at a controversial immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Thursday, bars any new industrial-style lighting, paving, excavation, fencing, or further expansion, including additional buildings or tents, while she reviews whether the facility violates environmental laws.
The facility, rapidly constructed two months ago at a lightly used training airport, is designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures and currently houses hundreds. While the order does not restrict law enforcement or immigration enforcement activities at the existing site, it aims to maintain the status quo during the ongoing legal dispute.
Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe filed a lawsuit, arguing the project threatens sensitive wetlands, home to protected species, and undermines Everglades restoration efforts. Eve Samples, executive director at Friends of the Everglades, expressed satisfaction with the pause, emphasizing the goal to protect the unique ecosystem.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s office criticized the ruling but stated it would not impact immigration enforcement, asserting “Alligator Alcatraz will remain operational.”
The temporary order is in place for two weeks as the preliminary injunction hearing continues. The core of the legal challenge revolves around whether the facility, though operated by the state, falls under federal environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, given its purpose for federal immigration enforcement. Witnesses testified this week on potential environmental damage, including increased water runoff and chemical spread into the Everglades.
This is one of two lawsuits against the South Florida center. A separate civil rights lawsuit alleges constitutional violations for detainees, including denial of legal access and canceled bond hearings. A hearing for this case is set for August 18.
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