FORT MYERS, FLORIDA — A federal judge has ordered a Florida immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” to improve access for detainees seeking legal representation.
U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell issued a preliminary injunction requiring the facility to provide timely, free, and confidential legal calls. The ruling also mandates at least one working telephone for every 25 detainees and requires information to be available in multiple languages.
The decision follows a lawsuit filed by former detainees who argued their First Amendment rights were violated due to limited access to attorneys. Plaintiffs said they faced restrictions such as needing to schedule visits days in advance and delays that prevented timely legal consultations.
State officials overseeing the facility have denied restricting access, citing staffing and security challenges. A contractor previously testified that detainees had access to communication tools, though the court found improvements were necessary.
The Everglades facility was built under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to support federal immigration enforcement policies. Additional legal proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
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