A federal judge on Thursday ordered a temporary halt to further construction at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades that's been dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz."
At a hearing in Miami, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued an order halting any new construction at the facility through Aug. 12, according to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.
The order does not suspend operations at the facility.
Williams' temporary restraining order "means that new construction, including filling, paving, installation of new infrastructure, and installation of new lighting, must stop immediately," according to a statement from a coalition of Florida environmental and conservation groups.
"That will last for 14 days while the parties complete their hearing on the conservation groups’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Meanwhile the lawsuit, originally filed by the groups on June 27, is allowed to proceed."
They claim, among other things, that the center "poses serious threats to the sensitive Everglades ecosystem, endangered species, clean water and dark night skies."
“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.
Talbert Cypress, Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, added: “We welcome the court’s decision ... the detention facility threatens land that is not only environmentally sensitive but sacred to our people. While this order is temporary, it is an important step in asserting our rights and protecting our homeland.” The tribe had joined the case as a plaintiff.
Alex Lanfranconi, a spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, said the "ruling by an activist judge will have no impact on immigration enforcement in Florida." Williams is an Obama appointee.
"Alligator Alcatraz will remain operational, continuing to serve as a force multiplier to enhance deportation efforts," Lanfranconi added.
Reuters contributed.
This is a developing news story and may be updated. Check back later for more.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'Alligator Alcatraz' construction temporarily halted by Florida judge
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