Appeals Court Allows Florida Immigrant Detention Centre to Remain Open
A federal appeals court has temporarily allowed Florida to continue operating its controversial immigrant detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The ruling, issued Thursday by a 2-1 panel of judges in Atlanta, suspends a previous order from a lower court that would have halted operations at the facility.The state had indicated it would resume accepting detainees if the suspension was granted, and filed court documents to that effect this week. Government lawyers argued that the initial ruling by Judge Williams would hinder the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws, and announced plans to appeal. The appeals court agreed to suspend the lower court’s order pending the outcome of that appeal, citing “public interest.”
Legal challenge Focuses on Environmental impact
The detention center is the subject of a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee tribe. they argue the facility,built rapidly over the past three months on a small airport runway within the Everglades,threatens the fragile wetland ecosystem and could undo billions of dollars in environmental restoration efforts.
The state of Florida authorized over $245 million for the center’s construction and operation, officially opening it on July 1st. Former President Donald Trump visited the site before his inauguration, suggesting it could serve as a blueprint for future detention facilities as his management sought to increase deportations.
the dispute also involves questions of responsibility. While Florida maintains the center is state-funded and therefore not subject to federal environmental impact assessments,it has also requested federal subsidies to help cover costs.The federal government, simultaneously occurring, claims no financial responsibility for the project.
