A federal judge has temporarily halted construction at the controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz”, citing serious environmental concerns.

Court Decision Highlights

• U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a 14-day restraining order on August 7, 2025, blocking all new construction—including paving, lighting, and infrastructure installation—while a lawsuit proceeds.
• The lawsuit, filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, alleges violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act, and other federal statutes.
• The facility is in Big Cypress National Preserve, adjacent to sacred tribal lands and endangered ecosystems.

Environmental & Tribal Concerns

• Plaintiffs argue the detention center threatens:
  • Wetlands and endangered species
  • Clean water and dark sky protections
  • Tribal sovereignty and sacred lands

“The detention facility threatens land that is not only environmentally sensitive but sacred to our people,” said Miccosukee Chairman Talbert Cypress.

Ongoing Operations

• The judge’s order does not suspend deportation operations at the facility.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded: “Operations at Alligator Alcatraz are ongoing and deportations are continuing”.

What’s Next

• A hearing on a preliminary injunction is expected soon. If granted, it could halt construction indefinitely or even lead to the facility’s closure.
• A separate lawsuit is underway over alleged inhumane conditions, including lack of access to attorneys, extreme heat, and unsanitary living quarters.

Julie Kent, President of FL NOW said: “We are relieved that the construction of this detention camp in the Everglades has been stopped. There are obvious violations of environmental law and lack of respect for tribal lands. We look forward to the closure of the Everglades Detention Camp due to environmental issues and human rights violations including the terribly inhumane conditions. Although there are many to thank for this Court outcome, I would like to thank Dr. Anna Eskamani for her heartfelt and convincing testimony.”

Call To Action

• Support environmental groups and tribes fighting this unnecessary intrusion into one of our National Parks.
• Support lawsuits aimed at compliance with environmental laws and human rights.
• Continue to protest the Everglades Detention Camp
• Do not call the Everglades Detention Camp the disgusting title of Alligator Alcatraz!

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP Florida NOW, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408