Controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center Granted Stay Amid Legal Challenges

On September 4, 2025, a three-judge panel from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 decision allowing the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in Florida's Everglades to continue operations. This ruling temporarily halted a previous order by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who had mandated the facility's closure by the end of October due to environmental concerns. The lawsuit prompting the shutdown was brought by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Miccosukee Tribe, alleging violations of the National Environmental Policy Act. The appeals court's decision permits the facility to remain operational while the appeal process continues.

"Alligator Alcatraz," officially known as the South Florida Detention Facility, is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport within the Big Cypress National Preserve, approximately 45 miles west of Miami. The facility was inaugurated in July 2025 with support from the Trump administration and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Designed to house up to 5,000 migrants awaiting deportation, the center utilizes natural barriers for security and has an estimated annual operating cost of $450 million.

The construction and operation of "Alligator Alcatraz" have faced significant legal challenges and environmental concerns. Environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a lawsuit alleging that state and federal officials did not comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires an environmental impact study before developing such facilities. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida joined the lawsuit, citing concerns about environmental degradation and the impact on their ancestral lands.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams initially ordered a suspension of the facility's expansion, citing potential environmental harm. However, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' recent decision allows the facility to continue operations while the appeal process is ongoing.

The Miccosukee Tribe has been particularly vocal in opposing the detention center. The facility's proximity to tribal villages, sacred sites, and traditional hunting grounds raises significant concerns about environmental degradation and cultural impact. The tribe argues that the construction and operation of the facility violate their rights under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, both of which require federal agencies to consult with tribes when federal actions may affect sacred sites or places of historic significance.

Reports have emerged about the disappearance of hundreds of immigrants detained at "Alligator Alcatraz." According to El País, as of mid-September 2025, between 800 and 1,250 detainees were unaccounted for in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) online database, causing alarm among families and legal representatives. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has described the facility as a "black hole," highlighting the lack of transparency and due process violations.

Additionally, the facility has faced criticism for its conditions, including reports of detainees being held in cages, inadequate food, poor hygiene, and limited access to legal and family communication. These allegations have intensified calls for the facility's closure and have raised questions about the treatment of migrants within the U.S. detention system.

The establishment and operation of "Alligator Alcatraz" have significant social and environmental implications. Socially, the facility has become a focal point in the broader debate over U.S. immigration policy, detention practices, and the treatment of migrants. The reported disappearances and alleged poor conditions have sparked public outcry and have been cited as examples of systemic issues within the immigration detention system.

Environmentally, the facility's location within the Everglades—a unique and sensitive ecosystem—raises concerns about potential harm to wildlife and natural habitats. The construction and operation of the center have been criticized for proceeding without comprehensive environmental reviews, potentially violating federal environmental laws. The presence of the facility also threatens the cultural and spiritual practices of the Miccosukee Tribe, who have lived in and cared for the Everglades for generations.

As legal battles continue, the future of "Alligator Alcatraz" remains uncertain. The facility stands at the intersection of immigration enforcement, environmental conservation, and indigenous rights, highlighting the complex challenges faced by policymakers and communities in addressing these intertwined issues.