Judge Orders Florida to Dismantle ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Federal court blocks new detainees and rules Everglades detention camp violates environmental law.

WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Thursday blocked Florida and the Trump administration from adding detainees to the controversial immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and ordered the state to begin dismantling the Everglades facility.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that officials violated federal environmental law by failing to review the impacts of the site, located at a remote airstrip surrounded by protected wetlands. Her preliminary injunction requires Florida to halt construction and, within 60 days, remove fencing, lighting and generators.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis immediately filed notice it would appeal.