A federal appeals court has overturned a legal order requiring Florida and US President Donald Trump's administration to shut down 'Alligator Alcatraz', allowing the immigration detention centre to remain open. In a 2-1 ruling, the appellate court in Atlanta granted a request from Florida and the US Department of Homeland Security to block a lower court’s injunction while a lawsuit proceeds.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed satisfaction, stating that 'Alligator Alcatraz is in fact, like we've always said, open for business.' This comes after last month’s decision by US District Judge Kathleen Williams, who ordered a halt to the facility's expansion and initiated dismantling procedures within 60 days.
Judge Williams sided with environmental groups and a Native American tribe, arguing the facility required federal environmental reviews due to its location in the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the 11th Circuit Court found that state and federal officials are likely to demonstrate that the facility isn't subject to the National Environmental Policy Act as it has not yet received federal funding.
The ruling is seen by some as a victory for the Department of Homeland Security, which stated that the lawsuit was aimed at preventing law enforcement from detaining individuals deemed dangerous. Critics, however, including the Center for Biological Diversity, view the court's decision as harmful to the environment and the community in the Everglades.
The facility, previously a virtually abandoned airport, was transformed into a detention center in July. The legal battles are expected to continue as various stakeholders, including environmentalists and Indigenous rights groups, discuss their next steps.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed satisfaction, stating that 'Alligator Alcatraz is in fact, like we've always said, open for business.' This comes after last month’s decision by US District Judge Kathleen Williams, who ordered a halt to the facility's expansion and initiated dismantling procedures within 60 days.
Judge Williams sided with environmental groups and a Native American tribe, arguing the facility required federal environmental reviews due to its location in the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the 11th Circuit Court found that state and federal officials are likely to demonstrate that the facility isn't subject to the National Environmental Policy Act as it has not yet received federal funding.
The ruling is seen by some as a victory for the Department of Homeland Security, which stated that the lawsuit was aimed at preventing law enforcement from detaining individuals deemed dangerous. Critics, however, including the Center for Biological Diversity, view the court's decision as harmful to the environment and the community in the Everglades.
The facility, previously a virtually abandoned airport, was transformed into a detention center in July. The legal battles are expected to continue as various stakeholders, including environmentalists and Indigenous rights groups, discuss their next steps.
