A federal judge has temporarily halted construction at an immigration center in Florida's Everglades while hearing a lawsuit from environmental groups. The lawsuit claims that the rushed construction, which lacks public input and an environmental impact statement, violates federal law. The facility, also known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', has capacity for 5,000 detainees in tents and caged cells. The judge's order aims to stop construction for 14 days while immigration operations remain unaffected, due to concerns about environmental impacts on water quality and endangered species.
Environmental groups argue that the rushed construction of the immigration facility violates federal law, lacking public input and an environmental impact statement.
Judge Kathleen Williams issued a temporary restraining order halting construction activities at the facility, expressing frustration over the continuation of work despite legal challenges.
Testimony in court indicated that additional construction would harm water quality in the Everglades and endanger the already threatened Florida panther population.
Randy Kautz, a wildlife ecologist, stated that the construction would push Florida panthers out of at least 2,000 acres of their habitat.
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