Judge halts Everglades detention center construction
A 14-day order pauses new work after the Miccosukee Tribe joined a suit alleging environmental harms and lack of public review.
After the Miccosukee Tribe joined a lawsuit challenging expansion of the Everglades immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Aug. 7 halting new construction. U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams ordered a 14-day pause on tents, paving, filling and lighting after testimony during a preliminary injunction hearing; operations may continue.
Plaintiffs include the Miccosukee Tribe, Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity. They say the project proceeded without required environmental review or public input, violating the National Environmental Policy Act.
Williams said plaintiffs showed evidence of “ongoing and material harm,” after hearing testimony about threats to the endangered Florida panther and contaminated runoff. Counsel for Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, argued the restraining order wasn’t warranted and that the site must operate to meet law-enforcement needs.
The preliminary injunction hearing resumes Tuesday in Miami.
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