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A federal judge said work must stop for 14 days while she considered arguments that building and operating the immigration detention facility would harm the environment.
Aug. 7, 2025, 3:34 p.m. ET
Florida must stop construction at an immigration detention center in the remote Everglades for 14 days, a federal judge ruled on Thursday, granting at least a temporary victory to environmentalists who say the facility has the potential to cause serious harm to sensitive wetlands and endangered species.
The judge, Kathleen M. Williams of the Federal District Court in Miami, issued a temporary restraining order from the bench, saying that the state could not install any more lighting, paving, fencing or other fixtures at the detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Judge Williams said she would issue a written order soon.
The order is temporary, giving the judge time to complete a hearing in the case, which was filed in June by several environmental groups. They argue that the project to build the facility, which is state-run but houses federal immigration detainees, went ahead without first completing an environmental review required by federal law.
Judge Williams heard testimony in the case for a day and a half before ruling from the bench.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Patricia Mazzei is the lead reporter for The Times in Miami, covering Florida and Puerto Rico.
