Federal Judge Weighs Environmental Concerns at Florida Detention Center

A federal judge is currently deliberating on whether to halt the construction of an immigration detention center located in the Florida Everglades, commonly referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams is considering arguments from environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who claim that the project violates federal environmental laws and threatens sensitive ecosystems.

The lawsuit, filed in Miami against federal and state authorities, asserts that the detention center’s construction endangers protected wetlands that host various plant and animal species. The plaintiffs argue that it could undo billions of dollars in environmental restoration efforts. They are seeking a preliminary injunction to stop both ongoing operations and further construction until proper environmental reviews are conducted, as mandated by law.

This legal challenge is one of two currently facing the South Florida detention center, which was constructed over a month ago on an isolated airstrip owned by Miami-Dade County. The second lawsuit, initiated by civil rights groups, alleges that detainees are experiencing violations of their constitutional rights. They are reportedly being held without charges, denied access to legal representation, and have had bond hearings canceled by a federal immigration court. A hearing related to these claims is scheduled for August 18.

According to the environmental groups and the tribe, federal regulations require that agencies assess the environmental impact of such constructions, explore ways to lessen harm, and allow for public input. They emphasize that the detention center, which has the capacity to hold hundreds of detainees, falls under federal jurisdiction, despite being built by the state of Florida. “The construction of a detention center is an action that is necessarily subject to federal control and responsibility,” the plaintiffs stated in a recent court filing. They contend that the State of Florida lacks the authority to enforce federal immigration law.

Attorneys representing federal and state agencies have asked Judge Williams to dismiss the request for an injunction or transfer the case to a different jurisdiction. They argue that the lawsuit was improperly filed, asserting that since the detention center is situated in neighboring Collier County, the case should be heard in the state’s middle district rather than the southern district.

As these lawsuits progress, the administration of Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis appears to be moving forward with plans for a second immigration detention facility at a National Guard training center in north Florida. State records indicate that at least one contract has already been awarded for what is officially designated as the “North Detention Facility.”

Judge Williams has yet to issue a ruling regarding the jurisdictional argument, leaving stakeholders on both sides awaiting her decision. The outcome could significantly influence the future of immigration detention practices in Florida.