Federal judge halts construction of Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center

A federal judge in Florida on Thursday ordered an immediate pause in the construction of an immigration detention center in the Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," while attorneys debate whether the construction violates environmental laws.

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order to repurpose the old Dade-Collier Training Airport into the detention center earlier this year, which will be able to hold up to 5,000 people. The tents and trailers were up and running in just 8 days and will cost an estimated $450 million to operate in its first year.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled during a hearing Thursday that the facility can continue to operate and hold detainees during the pause, but workers will be barred from adding any new filling, paving or infrastructure for two weeks.

An attorney for environmental groups that lodged the complaint argued the site violated the National Environmental Policy Act, which directs federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of major construction projects, the Associated Press reported.

The government argued that the legislation does not apply because although the detention center will hold federal prisoners, the construction and operation of the facility is entirely done by Florida.

Williams is expected to give her final ruling on the matter after the defense makes its case next week. The temporary restraining order was issued after plaintiffs argued their side of the issue on Wednesday and Thursday.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.