Federal Judge Orders Partial Shutdown of Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz Migrant Facility

A federal judge, Kathleen Williams, has ordered a partial shutdown and dismantling of Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention facility in the Everglades due to environmental damage, tribal access violations, and failure to conduct mandated federal environmental reviews. The facility, which houses migrants in tents surrounded by chain-link fences, has been criticized for poor conditions including extreme heat, insect infestations, and maggot-contaminated food. Williams' ruling requires removal of infrastructure and halts detainee transfers, citing harm to endangered species and violation of the National Environmental Protection Act, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has described the judge as an 'activist' and vowed to appeal. The state disputes the need for federal environmental reviews, arguing the facility is state-owned, while the judge noted federal funding involvement. Trump administration border czar Tom Homan stated that ICE operations will continue despite the shutdown order, with plans to relocate detainees if necessary and build new detention beds as part of President Trump's immigration enforcement strategy. The legal battle continues with Florida appealing the ruling and the future of the facility's operation remaining uncertain.