Judge Halts Operations at Everglades Detention Center With Preliminary Injunction

MIAMI— A federal judge today ordered the state of Florida and the Trump administration to halt construction, stop bringing new detainees and begin winding down operations at the mass detention center in Big Cypress National Preserve known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The preliminary injunction, requested by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe marks a major victory for Florida’s imperiled wildlife and fragile ecosystems which are threatened by the detention center.

In an 82-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams cited extensive evidence demonstrating harm to the Everglades caused by operation of the facility, which was built without any of the environmental review required by law.

Today’s decision means the facility must wind down operations in an orderly fashion within 60 days. The environmental groups will host a virtual press conference Friday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. Eastern to discuss the ruling.

“This is a landmark victory for the Everglades and countless Americans who believe this imperiled wilderness should be protected, not exploited,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It sends a clear message that environmental laws must be respected by leaders at the highest levels of our government — and there are consequences for ignoring them.”