Federal judge Kathleen Williams orders Florida to empty ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in 60 days, citing environmental impact

A federal judge ruled on Thursday, August 21, that state and federal officials are prohibited from bringing new detainees to Alligator Alcatraz, the hastily built immigration detention site in the Everglades and must also be partly dismantled.

The judge gave officials 60 days to remove current detainees and fencing, lights, generators and other equipment. Additionally, according to a report by the New York Times, no new construction will be allowed at the site.

US District Judge Kathleen Williams' 82-page ruling deals a significant blow to the nation's first state-run detention center for federal immigration detainees in Florida.


Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Trump both supported the facility and encouraged other states to imitate it.

The center has faced previous lawsuits and complaints about unsafe conditions. The state has announced its intention to appeal this decision.

Judge says Environmental law was ignored

Judge Kathleen M. Williams of the Federal District Court in Miami found that the government violated a law requiring an environmental review before large federal construction projects.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, which lives in the area, had filed the lawsuit, arguing it violated the National Environmental Policy Act, as per Axios.

The centre sits on protected Everglades land, raising risks to wetlands, endangered species, and local communities that rely on the Everglades for water.

In her ruling, Judge Williams acknowledged the government’s need to enforce immigration laws. However, she found no strong reason why the detention centre had to be built in the Everglades, noting that officials failed to consider other locations.

What is the other side saying

Both the DeSantis and Trump administrations have said the facility has had zero impact on the environment.

The Trump administration contended that federal environmental laws should not apply because the State of Florida operates the center. However, Judge Williams disagreed, stating that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that the facility receives funding and direction from the federal government, according to the report.


Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made immigration enforcement a top issue. His administration has already planned another detention center at a former state prison near Jacksonville.

Shortly after the ruling was issued, Florida's Division of Emergency Management executive director Kevin Guthrie appealed, according to Axios.

DeSantis told Fox News he "expected an adverse ruling" and knew they would immediately appeal.