Judge Orders Immediate Halt to Construction at Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
Miami, FL — August 22, 2025

A federal judge has put the brakes on new construction at the much-debated Everglades detention facility, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” ruling in favor of environmental groups who warned the project threatens the fragile local ecosystem and its wildlife.

The Miami-based judge, appointed by former President Barack Obama, didn’t just order a stop to ongoing construction — the ruling also demands the removal of already installed infrastructure. This includes generators, fuel tanks, sewage systems, waste containers, fencing, and extra lighting, with a strict 60-day deadline to comply.

“The Everglades are one of the world’s most delicate ecosystems, and this facility should never have been allowed to take root here,” said a spokesperson for one of the environmental groups behind the lawsuit. “This decision is a win for wildlife, local residents, and the future health of South Florida.”

The detention center, designed to house federal immigration detainees, has faced fierce opposition since its inception. Critics argue that its location deep within Collier County’s portion of the Everglades risks water contamination, disrupts endangered species habitats, and further stresses an already vulnerable environment.

Project supporters have maintained that the remote site enhances security and minimizes impacts on nearby communities. Thursday’s ruling represents a significant setback, casting doubt on the facility’s future.

For now, environmental advocates are celebrating what they call a rare and important victory in the ongoing effort to protect South Florida’s wetlands.

“This is a clear message that the Everglades are not disposable,” one advocate said. “They are irreplaceable.”