Florida must stop expanding ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration center, judge says
August 21, 2025
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting further expansion of an immigration detention center built in the middle of the Florida Everglades and dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” as it winds down its operations in 60 days to comply with environmental laws. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe argue the project violates environmental laws and threatens sensitive wetlands. The center, built almost two months ago, currently holds several hundred detainees but could expand to 3,000. The lawsuit claims the state and federal governments failed to comply with environmental regulations.