Federal Judge Halts Expansion of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Center
In a significant victory for environmentalists and local communities, a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction to stop further expansion of the controversial immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, based in Miami, formalized the ruling on Thursday, August 21, 2025, following a temporary halt she ordered two weeks prior. The decision responds to concerns raised by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who argued that the facility’s construction threatens the delicate Everglades ecosystem.
The detention center, located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida, was rapidly constructed nearly two months ago to house up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. Dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by state officials, the facility has drawn criticism for its potential environmental impact on the surrounding Big Cypress National Preserve, a critical habitat for endangered species like the Florida panther and the Florida bonneted bat. Environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Earthjustice, alongside the Miccosukee Tribe, filed a lawsuit claiming that the project violates federal environmental laws by lacking proper public input and an environmental impact statement.
Judge Williams’ ruling prohibits the state from adding new infrastructure, such as lighting, paving, fencing, or generators, and mandates that these elements be removed once the detainee population decreases through transfers to other facilities, expected within 60 days. Witnesses testified that recent construction, including at least 20 acres of new asphalt, could lead to harmful runoff, spreading chemicals into the wetlands and disrupting habitats. Amy Castaneda, the Miccosukee Tribe’s water resource director, highlighted the risk of nutrient runoff affecting tribal lands, potentially altering vegetation and impacting wildlife and human movement.
While the injunction halts expansion, the facility remains operational for current detainees. Florida officials, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, argue that the state-run center is exempt from federal environmental laws and is crucial for supporting federal immigration enforcement. Alex Lanfranconi, DeSantis’ communications director, emphasized that “Alligator Alcatraz will remain operational, continuing to serve as a force multiplier to enhance deportation efforts.” However, Judge Williams noted that the facility operates as a joint partnership between state and federal governments, undermining claims of exemption from federal regulations.
The ruling has sparked hope among advocates. Elise Bennett, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, called it “a relief” for protecting the Everglades’ sensitive ecosystem. Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit by civil rights groups alleges that detainees at the facility face inhumane conditions, including lack of access to lawyers, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care. Although part of this lawsuit was recently dismissed, the case continues in another jurisdiction.
As the legal battle unfolds, the decision marks a pivotal moment in balancing immigration enforcement with environmental preservation. The Everglades, often celebrated as a pristine natural treasure, remains at the heart of this ongoing debate.
Sources: The New York Times, NPR, NBC Miami, POLITICO, ABC News