1 year ago

Judge Halts Florida Detention Center; Orders Dismantling

Judge Halts Florida Detention Center; Orders Dismantling
Trump's dream prison to be dismantled? Judge slams brakes on Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ · wionews.com

A judge stopped operations at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center in Florida.

The judge also wants parts of the facility removed.

This is bad news for Governor DeSantis and former President Trump who supported the project.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, worried about damage to the Everglades.

The court agreed, finding environmental risks from wastewater, runoff, and habitat loss for endangered species, and blocked access to hunting trails.

Environmental groups are happy; DeSantis plans to fight the decision.

Key facts

Facility Name
"Alligator Alcatraz"
Location
Florida Everglades
Judge
Kathleen Williams
Order
Halt operations, dismantle parts
Plaintiffs
Environmental groups, Miccosukee Tribe
Defendants
State and Federal Officials

Timeline

  1. Florida unveiled plans for 'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades.

  2. Then, environmental groups raised serious concerns about its impact.

  3. A judge immediately halted construction because of the concerns.

  4. The judge also blocked new detainees from the center.

Quotes

Eve Samples

Executive director of Friends of the Everglades

“a landmark victory for the Everglades and countless Americans who believe this imperilled wilderness should be protected, not exploited.”
wionews.com
“It sends a clear message that environmental laws must be respected by leaders at the highest levels of our government, and there are consequences for ignoring them.”
wionews.com

US District Judge Kathleen Williams

The judge who made the ruling

“The state consulted with no stakeholders or experts and did no evaluation of the environmental risks. Here, there weren’t ‘deficiencies’ in the agency’s process. There was no process.”
wionews.com

Sources

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