U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams has placed a temporary two-week halt on new construction of Florida's illegal alien detention center in the Everglades, aka "Alligator Alcatraz," as she considers whether it violates environmental laws.
According to Williams, Alligator Alcatraz may continue to detain and house illegal migrants under the direction of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but further construction, such as filling, paving or new infrastructure, must stop immediately.
Since the detention center's grand opening in July, several groups, including Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, have sought a preliminary injunction against the facility over environmental concerns.
As part of their complaint, both groups argued that new construction at the facility threatens the Everglades' environmentally fragile wetlands, which include protected plants and animals. They added that it would also turn back billions in environmental restoration.
The groups also cited the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of major construction projects.
Judge Williams essentially agreed, granting their latest request after Florida’s legal counsel, Jesse Panuccio, could not guarantee that the state would stop work. As part of their plea, the state argued they, not the federal government, were responsible for building and operating the facility, and the NEPA didn't apply.
Williams disagreed, noting that the detention facility was at very least a joint partnership between both the state and federal governments.
“We’re pleased that the judge saw the urgent need to put a pause on additional construction, and we look forward to advancing our ultimate goal of protecting the unique and imperiled Everglades ecosystem from further damage caused by this mass detention facility,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades in a press release.
Both groups had also previously complained about pesticide spraying and light pollution visible 15 miles away from Big Cypress National Preserve, which borders Everglades National Park.
In addition, the Miccosukee Tribe has criticized the facility's purpose.
Alligator Alcatraz is adjacent to the Tamiami Trail, which is home to 19 traditional Miccosukee and Seminole villages, as well as the Congressionally authorized Miccosukee Reserved Area and the Miccosukee Water Conservation Area 3-A, according to Miccosukee Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypress.
“We welcome the court’s decision to pause construction on this deeply concerning project,” Cypress said in the release. “The detention facility threatens land that is not only environmentally sensitive but sacred to our people. While this order is temporary, it is an important step in asserting our rights and protecting our homeland. The Miccosukee Tribe will continue to stand for our culture, our sovereignty, and the Everglades.”
