Summary
A federal appeals court temporarily stopped a lower court's order to close an immigration detention center in Florida's Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz." The appeals court's decision allows the facility to continue operating while the case is under review. The detention center has faced legal challenges for allegedly bypassing environmental review processes.
Key Facts
- A federal appeals court in Atlanta voted 2-1 to put on hold a decision to shut down the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center.
- The initial shutdown order came from U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami, who planned for the closure by the end of October.
- The facility is in the Everglades and was built quickly on a former airstrip to help with deportation efforts.
- Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, arguing the center violated federal environmental laws.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Department of Homeland Security support keeping the center open.
- The federal government claims it hasn't funded the facility, though Florida seeks federal grants for funding.
- The court's stay means detainees can continue to be held at the facility during the appeal.
- The state argues that the requirement for an environmental impact statement doesn't apply to their actions.
