A federal judge has put a two-week hold on construction at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center, as concerns are raised that the project doesn’t meet key federal environmental regulations.
This decision came from US District Judge Kathleen Williams following two days of hearings in a Miami courtroom, according to the plaintiffs involved.
The order halts further work on infrastructure such as filling, paving, and lighting, while still allowing immigration authorities to detain individuals at the facility.
This temporary ruling is meant to assess whether the judge might impose a longer suspension. Williams, it should be noted, was appointed by former President Obama.
Nestled in the Everglades, “Alligator Alcatraz” opened at the beginning of July and can accommodate thousands of migrants. Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem has highlighted it as a potential model for similar state-run facilities across the nation.
The Center for Biological Diversity and Everglades filed a lawsuit in late June to stop construction, arguing it violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates federal consideration of environmental consequences before major infrastructure projects are greenlit.
“The judge is satisfied that additional construction must be halted, and we aim to protect the unique and fragile Everglades ecosystem from further harm due to this mass detention center,” a representative stated.
The federal government has characterized “Alligator Alcatraz” as a state enterprise that NEPA doesn’t govern. Additionally, the Justice Department contends that Judge Williams’ court is not the appropriate venue, as the facility is located in a different part of Florida.
In a related matter, immigration advocacy groups and detainees are suing over claims that individuals at the center aren’t being granted access to legal representation. This case is set to be heard on August 18th in front of another federal judge.
