Court halts operation shutdown at 'Alligator Alcatraz'
In a surprising turn of events, a federal appeals court has granted a stay on the order to wind down operations of the controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz." The facility, built by the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in late June, has been at the centre of a heated legal battle.
The preliminary injunction, issued last month by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, ordered the facility's operations to be wound down by the end of October. However, the state and federal government defendants have appealed the decision, asking for it to be put on hold.
The three-judge panel in Atlanta granted the stay by a 2-1 vote. The appeal is still pending the outcome of the court case.
The detention center, located in the middle of sensitive wetlands, was built on an isolated airstrip surrounded by wetlands to aid President Donald Trump's efforts to deport people in the U.S. illegally. The location was intended as a deterrent against escape.
The lawsuit, brought by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Miccosukee Tribe, accused the state and federal defendants of not following federal law requiring an environmental review for the detention center. Florida claims that the environmental impact statement required by federal law doesn't apply to states.
The federal government claims it isn't responsible for the detention center as it hasn't spent any money to build or operate the facility. The state of Florida has not provided any details about the funding sources for the detention center. However, it has been reported that the state is seeking some federal grant money to fund a portion of the detention center.
If the stay is granted, the state of Florida plans to resume accepting detainees at the facility. Meanwhile, equipment and fencing at the facility are to be removed as part of the winding down of operations. The detainees at the facility are to be transferred to other facilities.
The detention center, often referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz," has been a source of controversy since its construction. The remote location and sensitive environmental setting have raised concerns about the potential impact on the local ecosystem. The outcome of this court case will likely have significant implications for immigration policy and environmental law.
