Judge Halts Expansion, New Detainees at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz

A federal judge has issued a ruling halting the expansion of Florida's migrant detention facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz," located in the Everglades' Big Cypress National Preserve, citing violations of environmental laws. The court injunction prevents adding new detainees beyond those already there and stops further construction or installation of infrastructure such as industrial lighting, fencing, generators, and waste receptacles. The judge ordered removal of these temporary facilities within 60 days, effectively making the site uninhabitable, though current immigration enforcement operations continue for now. The decision follows lawsuits from environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who argued the facility was built without proper environmental reviews and harms endangered species and wetlands. Democratic leaders and environmental advocates hailed the ruling as a significant victory for protecting the Everglades and upholding federal environmental protections, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the judge's decision and vowed to challenge it. The facility has also faced scrutiny for its harsh conditions and lack of due process for detainees, with calls for broader reform in immigration detention practices.