Court Allows 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Facility to Operate

A federal appellate court on Thursday put a temporary pause on a previous ruling that mandated the dismantling of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention site in Florida's Everglades.

This decision by judges from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals means 'Alligator Alcatraz' will remain operational while an ongoing lawsuit critiques the environmental impact of the facility.

Homeland Security had moved operations out of the site recently, but Florida announced plans to restart its activities should the previous ruling be reversed.

Judge Kathleen Williams previously commanded Florida and the federal government to cease expanding the facility, arguing the need for an environmental assessment due to its location in the Everglades. This ruling stemmed from concerns raised by environmental bodies and a Native American group.

However, the appellate judges interrupted that ruling, asserting that the facility does not require compliance with federal environmental laws, as it is a state-managed entity without federal funds.

Judges Barbara Lagoa and Elizabeth Branch backed this interruption, with Judge Adalberto Jordan dissenting.

The Department of Homeland Security praised the decision, citing it as beneficial for enforcing immigration laws.

In a statement, Homeland Security emphasized that the lawsuit was more about political agendas than environmental concerns.

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida affirmed the facility's ongoing operational status, emphasizing continued efforts in immigration control.

Located on a defunct airfield, 'Alligator Alcatraz' is part of a broader agenda by the Trump administration to escalate immigration detention capabilities amid rising ICE arrests.

While the Trump administration lauds the site for its cost-effectiveness in detaining individuals, detractors have criticized it for substandard living conditions.

Additional legal challenges to 'Alligator Alcatraz' include claims of poor detainee treatment and the legal authority of Florida to manage such a facility.

Immigration

Joe Walsh, senior editor at CBS News, has previously written for Forbes and covered local news in Boston.