Judge orders temporary halt to construction at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center

A federal judge temporarily halted construction at an immigration detention center in Florida, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," due to environmental law concerns. The facility can operate but cannot add new infrastructure for 14 days. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe claim the project threatens critical wetlands and wildlife. A hearing is ongoing to discuss a preliminary injunction to stop construction permanently. The judge noted that any built infrastructure may remain regardless of the case outcome, and the state's commitment to cease work was uncertain.

The facility can continue to operate and hold detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but workers will be barred from adding any new filling, paving or infrastructure for the next 14 days.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe have asked Williams to issue a preliminary injunction to halt operations and further construction, claiming the project threatens environmentally sensitive wetlands.

Williams pointed out that anything built at the site would likely remain there permanently, regardless of how the case was ultimately decided.

Paul Schwiep, an attorney for the environmental groups, asked Williams to issue a temporary restraining order that would at least prevent any new construction at the site.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles