A federal court in Miami has delivered a significant blow to the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility, mandating its shutdown within 60 days. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued an 82-page preliminary injunction prohibiting further detainee admissions, halting any expansion, and demanding the partial dismantling of the facility’s infrastructure AP NewsThe GuardianThe Daily Beast.
Legal Grounds and Key Findings
- Violation of Environmental Law
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit brought by environmental organizations and the Miccosukee Tribe. They argued the facility was constructed hastily on sensitive wetland ecosystems without the required environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Judge Williams agreed, finding that state and federal agencies bypassed public consultation, feasibility studies, and environmental impact assessments before setting up the site AP NewsFlorida PhoenixPBS. - Ecological and Cultural Risks
Located within the Big Cypress National Preserve—a habitat for endangered species like the Florida panther—and near ancestral lands of the Miccosukee Tribe, the camp’s infrastructure (lighting, paving, generators) posed threats including light pollution, waste contamination, and habitat disruption The Daily BeastThe Washington PostKJZZ. - Structural Defects in Process
Judge Williams criticized the government’s lack of alternative planning and failure to justify why the facility had to be built in the Everglades, stating, “there was no process,” and highlighting the importance of upholding long-standing federal obligations to preserve the Everglades Miami New TimesThe Washington PostPBS.
Order Requirements
- Cease New Admissions and Expansion
No new detainees may be transferred to the site, and construction of additional structures—from lighting to tents—is prohibited The GuardianNew York PostStraight Arrow News. - Infrastructure Removal Within 60 Days
Once detainees are relocated, the state must remove temporary fencing, lighting, generators, waste containers, and other supporting equipment within 60 days. Some existing structures may remain if maintained for safety purposes AP NewsMiami New TimesNew York Post. - Continued Operation During Wind-Down
The facility may remain operational during the wind-down period, though detainee transfers are expected to reduce the population significantly within the 60-day timeframe AP NewsThe Washington Post.
Political and Legal Response
- Florida Appeals
Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration promptly filed a notice of appeal following the ruling. DeSantis vowed not to be deterred, framing the injunction as the work of an “activist judge” and indicating the state would “respond accordingly” AP NewsThe Guardian+1CBS News. - Contractual and Financial Implications
The facility was backed by contracts worth at least $245 million, with operational costs estimated at up to $450 million per year. The ruling raises concerns about taxpayer liability and the fate of these contracts amidst state and federal legal tussles AP NewsWikipedia. - Ongoing Civil Rights Litigation
Separately, civil rights lawsuits continue regarding detainees’ legal access—highlighting restricted attorney visits and court proceedings delays. Those legal challenges remain unaffected by the environmental ruling and proceed independently AP News.
Background Summary: Alligator Alcatraz
- Rapid Construction Under Emergency Powers
Announced in June 2025 by Florida AG James Uthmeier and backed by Governor DeSantis, the detention camp was rapidly erected in just eight days at the former Dade-Collier Training Airport in Big Cypress National Preserve, an ecologically sensitive wetland site. Trump and DHS officials were involved in promoting the project WikipediaThe Washington Post. - Reported Conditions and Capacity
Designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees (with possible expansion to 5,000), the camp had fragmented infrastructure—tents, trailers, generators, poor sanitation—with detainees reporting unsanitary conditions, lack of plumbing, maggots, and limited medical care access WikipediaABCPBS. - Public and Community Opposition
The facility sparked pushback from environmental and civil groups along with tribal communities. Protests, legal challenges, and public outcry emphasized NEPA violations, environmental harm, and erosion of tribal sovereignty WikipediaABCFlorida Phoenix.
What Happens Next
- Appeals Pending in Eleventh Circuit
The preliminary injunction remains active during the legal appeal process. Should higher courts uphold this ruling, Florida would be forced to fully dismantle the camp and relocate all detainees within the court’s specified timeline. - Detainee Transfers
Ongoing detainee relocation will likely be directed to other facilities such as Krome North Processing Center, Broward Transitional Center, and Baker County Detention Center AP News. - Legal Watchpoints
Future hearings may address whether any portions of the facility can remain, liability for existing contracts, and the broader constitutional and environmental precedents for emergency-built infrastructure.
In summary, this ruling marks a significant legal check on the use of emergency powers to build critical infrastructure without environmental review, while spotlighting the enduring human and ecological costs of U.S. immigration enforcement strategies.