A federal judge has ordered an immediate 14-day halt to new construction at the controversial Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” following mounting legal challenges from environmental and tribal groups.
The order, issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, bars the facility from moving forward with any additional filling, paving, or infrastructure work while the court considers a broader request for a preliminary injunction under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The detention center, located in the heart of sensitive Everglades habitat, has faced fierce criticism since its inception. Opponents argue that the project bypassed federally required environmental impact studies, posing threats to endangered species such as the Florida panther, Everglades snail kite, and wood stork. Tribal leaders have also raised alarms about impacts to culturally significant lands.
Despite the construction freeze, the facility will remain operational during the 14-day period, continuing to detain individuals as legal proceedings move forward.
Earlier this week, in a separate but related order, U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz directed both Florida and federal officials to produce all agreements and contracts governing authority over the facility. That order seeks to clarify which agencies or contractors are legally responsible for detaining individuals and enforcing immigration law at the site. Officials must produce those records by Thursday.
Plaintiffs in the case say both rulings mark important steps in holding state and federal agencies accountable for what they describe as a reckless rush to expand detention operations in one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in the country.
Government attorneys have so far declined public comment on the orders.
The evidentiary hearing on the preliminary injunction is expected to continue later this month, where environmental and tribal groups will present expert testimony on the potential long-term damage to the Everglades ecosystem if construction is allowed to resume.
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