Judge orders halt to construction of "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida

AndrewKPepper, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities related to the controversial mass detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz," located in the Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The decision responds to a request from conservation groups demanding a halt to the construction project, which they claim seriously threatens the fragile Everglades ecosystem.

The court order, a temporary restraining order initially effective for 14 days, prohibits further work such as backfilling, paving, infrastructure installation, and lighting at the site. During this period, hearings will be held to consider a preliminary injunction while the legal process, initiated on June 27, continues.

Environmental and cultural risks of “Alligator Alcatraz”

The detention center, which already houses thousands of detainees, has been heavily criticized by environmental organizations and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians in Florida, who believe the construction jeopardizes endangered species, clean water, dark night skies, and sacred lands for Indigenous communities.

“We are pleased that the judge recognized the urgency of halting this construction of Alligator Alcatraz,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades.

“We hope to make progress toward our ultimate goal: protecting this unique and endangered ecosystem,” he added.

Elise Bennett, director for Florida and the Caribbean at the Center for Biological Diversity, welcomed the court's decision and denounced the project's impacts:

“It's a relief that the court has intervened to protect the sensitive waters of the Everglades and its vulnerable creatures.”

From the organization Earthjustice, Tania Galloni called the ruling a necessary step forward after years of legal struggle:

“It’s a long road, but we are grateful that no further damage will be done until this stage of the trial is concluded.”

For his part, Talbert Cypress, president of the Miccosukee Tribe, stated:

"This facility threatens lands that are not only environmentally sensitive, but also sacred to our people. This pause is a crucial step in defending our culture, our sovereignty, and our ancestral home."

Although the injunction is temporary, the plaintiff groups believe the decision represents a key legal precedent and a vital brake on what they describe as a "ruthless" project in the middle of an area of great ecological and spiritual value.

The Florida state government and the Trump administration, which are accused of being behind the project, have not issued public statements following the court order.

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Sources:

• Friends of the Everglades