Overview

• U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction finding likely violations of federal environmental law, barring new transfers to the Everglades facility and ordering much of its infrastructure removed within 60 days after concluding federal funding and direction made it a federal action.
• The Department of Homeland Security asked the judge to stay her order pending appeal, saying the 2,000-bed site is needed, and requested a ruling by Monday evening as the case heads toward the 11th Circuit.
• Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe brought the case that led to the injunction, arguing the rushed build threatened wetlands, endangered species, and tribal resources without required review or consultation.
• Civil-rights groups filed a separate class-action suit Friday asserting Florida lacks authority under 287(g)/1357(g) to operate a state-run immigration detention center and that officers and contractors lack required federal training.
• Additional filings allege overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, restricted access to counsel, and pressure on detainees to sign voluntary removals, while federal and state officials say operations will continue by relocating people to other facilities and pursuing appeals.