A federal judge on Thursday ordered a two-week halt to further construction at the immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades — nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” — while she considers whether it violates environmental laws, according to the Associated Press.
Built in just two months at a lightly used training airport, the facility can hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ order bars new industrial lighting, paving, filling, excavating, fencing, or any other expansion, including tents, dormitories, or administrative buildings. It does not restrict law or immigration enforcement at the center, which already holds hundreds.
Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe seek a preliminary injunction halting operations entirely, arguing the site threatens sensitive wetlands and endangered species, undermining billions in Everglades restoration.
“We’re pleased that the judge saw the urgent need to put a pause on additional construction,” said Eve Samples, Friends of the Everglades.
A spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the ruling but said it “will have no impact on immigration enforcement in Florida. ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ will remain operational, continuing to serve as a force multiplier to enhance deportation efforts.”
Plaintiffs testified this week; the state and federal government will present next week. After Florida attorney Jesse Panuccio refused to commit to stopping construction, Williams issued the restraining order to preserve the status quo.
Temporary restraining orders maintain conditions briefly; preliminary injunctions last until a case’s resolution.
Plaintiffs say the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies because the facility serves federal immigration enforcement, a purely federal function. Panuccio argued NEPA doesn’t apply because the state built and operates the facility. Williams said the center appears to be at least a joint partnership between state and federal authorities.
Wetlands expert Christopher McVoy testified that at least 20 acres of asphalt have been added since June, based on his site visit and aerial photos. Geologist Dillon Reio warned new paving could increase runoff and spread harmful chemicals into the Everglades.
A separate suit by civil rights groups alleges detainees are denied lawyers, held without charges, and denied bond hearings. Florida says attorney access has been granted since July 15, following early logistical delays. The state insists construction and operations are fully under Florida control, though detainee custody comes via an intergovernmental agreement with federal agencies.
Plaintiffs argue that under NEPA, federal agencies must review environmental impacts regardless of who built the facility, since immigration is federally controlled.
Federal and state attorneys want the case dismissed or moved, arguing it’s filed in the wrong district — the site is in Collier County, not Miami-Dade.
While lawsuits proceed, records show DeSantis’ administration is preparing a second detention center at a Florida National Guard training site in north Florida, with at least one state contract awarded for the “North Detention Facility.”
Williams’ decision on the preliminary injunction could determine whether “Alligator Alcatraz” continues to expand or faces a long-term construction freeze.
