Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vowed to defy a federal judge’s order to shut down the controversial immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, located in Ochopee, Florida, has been a key part of the state’s deportation efforts under the Trump administration. DeSantis, anticipating legal pushback, announced a “back-up plan” to continue operations.

“This was preordained by an activist judge,” DeSantis said, referring to U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who issued an 82-page ruling halting new detainees and mandating the facility’s dismantling within 60 days. Williams, citing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), argued the facility harms endangered species, particularly the Florida panther, and ordered the removal of lighting, fencing, sewage, and other infrastructure.

Florida officials blasted the decision as politically motivated. “This ruling ignores that this land has already been developed for a decade,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “It’s an attempt to stop the President from deporting the worst of the worst.”

Attorney General James Uthmeier called the order a “desperate attempt to derail enforcement,” vowing Alligator Alcatraz would remain operational. DeSantis also announced a second detention facility, dubbed the “Deportation Depot,” set to open in Baker County near Jacksonville, with a 2,000-person capacity and airport access for removals.

Despite environmental objections, DeSantis maintains the state is leading in immigration enforcement. “We’re not going to be deterred,” he said. “We are totally in the right on this.” Roughly 400 detainees remain at the facility, pending appeal outcomes.