MIAMI, FLORIDA — A federal judge on Thursday rejected a detained immigrant’s request to temporarily shut down the immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” ruling that the plaintiff failed to meet the high legal standard required for immediate court intervention.
U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek denied a preliminary injunction sought by a detainee identified as M.A., who argued that conditions at the state-run facility warranted its immediate closure. Dudek, a Trump appointee, said the plaintiff did not demonstrate irreparable harm, a key requirement for emergency relief, even while acknowledging the possibility of “deficiencies” at the detention center. He emphasized that no court has yet ruled on the facility’s overall legality.
The ruling allows Alligator Alcatraz, located at a remote airstrip in Florida’s Everglades, to remain open as litigation continues. The detention center is operated by the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis and was unveiled in July with appearances by President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Department of Homeland Security partners with Florida to transfer immigrants to the site and is reimbursing the state up to $608 million for its operation.
The injunction request is one of three federal lawsuits challenging the facility. A separate case led by environmental groups previously resulted in a judge ordering the site closed, citing failures to conduct required environmental reviews. That decision, however, was paused by an appeals court, allowing operations to continue.
DeSantis has made clear he intends to keep the facility open as part of a broader crackdown aligned with Trump’s immigration agenda, setting the stage for continued legal and political battles.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
