'Alligator Alcatraz' construction in Florida Everglades halted by federal judge
A federal judge on Aug. 7 ordered a temporary halt to further construction at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," while a lawsuit over its environmental impact unfolds in court.
At a hearing in Miami, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued an order halting any new construction at the facility through Aug. 12, according to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Williams' temporary restraining order "means that new construction, including filling, paving, installation of new infrastructure, and installation of new lighting, must stop immediately," according to a statement from a coalition of Florida environmental and conservation groups.
The statement added: "That will last for 14 days while the parties complete their hearing on the conservation groups’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Meanwhile, the lawsuit, originally filed by the groups on June 27, is allowed to proceed."
The lawsuit, among other things, alleges that the center "poses serious threats to the sensitive Everglades ecosystem, endangered species, clean water, and dark night skies."
Undaunted by the decision, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted a single sentence on X: "Operations at Alligator Alcatraz are ongoing and deportations are continuing." The order does not suspend operations at the facility.
'Important step in asserting our rights and protecting our homeland'
Eve Samples, executive director at Friends of the Everglades, applauded the judge's decision to put a pause on additional construction.
"We look forward to advancing our ultimate goal of protecting the unique and imperiled Everglades ecosystem from further damage caused by this mass detention facility," Samples said.
Talbert Cypress, Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, added: “We welcome the court’s decision ... the detention facility threatens land that is not only environmentally sensitive but sacred to our people. While this order is temporary, it is an important step in asserting our rights and protecting our homeland.” The tribe had joined the case as a plaintiff.
DeSantis' spokesperson: Ruling will have 'no impact on immigration enforcement in Florida'
Alex Lanfranconi, a spokesperson for DeSantis, said the "ruling by an activist judge will have no impact on immigration enforcement in Florida." Williams was appointed to the seat by former President Barack Obama.
"Alligator Alcatraz will remain operational, continuing to serve as a force multiplier to enhance deportation efforts," Lanfranconi added.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who has objected to the facility and asked for access to "monitor" it, welcomed "the court’s decision to halt construction at Alligator Alcatraz — an overdue and necessary step."
In an X post, she added that "major concerns persist about conditions on site and environmental impacts. I’ll continue pushing for transparency and accountability to protect our community & environment."
Contributing: Reuters