Latest news with #KathleenWilliams'
Time of India
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Alligator Alcatraz: US judge halts construction at Florida's detention centre; suit argues project threatens environmentally sensitive wetlands
A US federal judge halted construction for two weeks on Thursday at a Florida Everglades immigrant detention facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" while evaluating potential environmental law violations. The facility, established two months ago at an underutilised single-runway training airport, accommodates up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. Judge Kathleen Williams' order prohibits additional filling, paving or infrastructure development, whilst maintaining existing law enforcement and immigration activities, AP news agency reported. Environmental organisations and the Miccosukee Tribe seek a preliminary injunction to cease operations and further development. Their legal challenge emphasises the threat to protected wetlands and wildlife, potentially undermining substantial environmental restoration investments. 'We're pleased that the judge saw the urgent need to put a pause on additional construction, and we look forward to advancing our ultimate goal of protecting the unique and imperiled Everglades ecosystem from further damage caused by this mass detention facility,' said Eve Samples, executive director at Friends of the Everglades. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Search results for - Ads Google Google Search Now Undo However, Governor Ron DeSantis' spokesperson Alex Lanfranconi affirmed the facility's continued operation for immigration enforcement. The temporary order precedes pending case arguments. Environmental advocates presented witnesses over two days, with government attorneys scheduled for the following week. Judge Williams implemented the restraining order after the state declined to voluntarily halt construction. The legal dispute centres on federal versus state control. Plaintiffs argue the facility violates the National Environmental Policy Act, requiring federal assessment of major construction environmental impacts. The state maintains construction and operations fall under Florida's jurisdiction. A separate lawsuit addresses detainee rights violations, including restricted lawyer access and cancelled bond hearings. Florida officials assert that since July 15, all attorney meeting requests have been granted, as per AP. The state maintains autonomous control over construction and operations, though federal agencies grant detainee authority through an intergovernmental agreement. Environmental groups argue federal oversight applies regardless of state construction involvement. While these legal proceedings continue, DeSantis' administration appears to be developing a second detention facility at a Florida National Guard training centre in the state's northern region.
Axios
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Judge pauses construction at Alligator Alcatraz
Florida must pause construction at the immigration detention center in the Everglades that's dubbed " Alligator Alcatraz" while an environmental lawsuit plays out, a federal judge in Miami ruled Thursday. The big picture: While environmentalists called U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams' 14-day temporary restraining order in their suit filed against the Trump administration "an important milestone," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) noted on X: "Operations at Alligator Alcatraz are ongoing and deportations are continuing." Driving the news: The Obama-appointed judge made the ruling following two days of testimony in the suit brought by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity. What they're saying: Friends of the Everglades said in a statement that it's pleased Williams made the ruling after hearing from experts who "detailed harm posed by industrial lighting and at least 20 acres of new pavement built on the site, among other impacts to the land and water within Big Cypress National Preserve." Eve Samples, the group's executive director, said in a statement she looked forward to "advancing our ultimate goal of protecting the unique and imperiled Everglades ecosystem from further damage caused by this mass detention facility." The other side:"This lawsuit ignores the fact that this land has already been developed for a decade," said Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin in a media statement. "It is another attempt to prevent the president from fulfilling the American people's mandate for mass deportations. These environmental activists and activist judge don't care about the invasion of our country facilitated by the Biden administration, but the American people do."
