A federal judge has temporarily halted construction of the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades due to environmental concerns. Judge Kathleen Williams of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida ordered a 14-day pause on construction but allowed current operations to continue.
The lawsuit prompting the pause was filed by environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades, alleging the facility was built and operated without the required environmental reviews. The plaintiffs argue the location threatens sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats.
Justice Department attorneys countered that the environmental harm claims were speculative and emphasized the national interest in addressing unlawful immigration.
The order came after two days of hearings on a preliminary injunction request. Hearings will resume next week in Miami, when the federal government is expected to present its witnesses.
The facility has also faced a separate lawsuit alleging violations of detainees’ constitutional rights, including lack of access to attorneys and being held without charges. Plans are already underway for a similar detention center in Indiana, dubbed the “Speedway Slammer.”
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