A federal judge has temporarily blocked Florida from expanding its new immigration detention center in the Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Obama appointed Judge Kathleen Williams sided with environmental groups and the Miccosukee Indian Tribe, saying the facility's construction violated federal laws protecting wetlands.
Conservatives slammed the decision as judicial overreach, accusing liberal judges of prioritizing environmental lawsuits over securing the border. The Florida Attorney General’s office said the ruling is unlawful and will be appealed, while Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted the judge for stacking the deck against Florida. He argued the facility is essential to help the Trump administration carry out its mandate to remove illegal immigrants from the country.
Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP / Getty Images
President Donald Trump toured the site last month, calling it a model for future detention facilities nationwide. “Alligator Alcatraz” was rapidly built earlier this summer and currently houses nearly 500 detainees, with capacity for thousands more.