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2w ago

Judge Delays Ruling on 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Keeps Construction Freeze

Judge Kathleen Williams maintained a two-week halt on new work at the Everglades site, delaying her decision on whether to issue a broader injunction

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A Florida highway patrol officer looks on as protesters gather to demand the closure of the immigrant detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Fla., on July 22, 2025. Immigrants held at U.S. detention centres have experienced abusive and degrading treatment, a Human Rights Watch report said on July 21.
FILE - Work progresses on the Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility in the Florida Everglades, July 4, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, file)
US President President Donald Trump (L), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (2nd-R), and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (2nd-L) toured the migrant detention center on July 1, 2025

Overview

  • Williams wrapped up multi-day evidentiary hearings on environmental challenges and sustained a temporary bar on new lighting, paving, fencing and additional structures until Aug. 21
  • Plaintiffs including Friends of the Everglades and the Miccosukee Tribe argue that at least 20 acres of new asphalt threaten sensitive wetlands and endangered species such as Florida panthers
  • Attorneys for Florida and federal agencies contended the state solely oversees the tented detention center, but the judge ruled it at least qualifies as a joint partnership under NEPA
  • The facility continues to hold fewer than 1,000 detainees in temporary tents and law enforcement operations remain unaffected by the construction pause
  • A separate civil-rights lawsuit by detainees is scheduled for preliminary injunction arguments on Aug. 18, with the state’s response on class-action certification due by Sept. 23