Court Reverses Shutdown of Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Migrant Detention Facility

A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Florida to resume operations at its controversial migrant detention facility in the Everglades, often nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay of a lower court ruling that had halted construction and barred new detainees at the site.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams had issued the initial injunction on August 7, citing environmental concerns and the lack of a formal impact study. The facility, built on a remote airfield surrounded by alligator-infested waters, primarily houses criminal migrants. Her ruling forced migrant transfers and paused ongoing construction.

On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis praised the appellate court’s decision as a victory for immigration enforcement. “Some leftist judge ruled implausibly that Florida couldn’t use our own property,” DeSantis said. “Now, the court has stayed that ruling. Alligator Alcatraz is open for business.”

The three-judge panel sided with both Florida officials and the Department of Homeland Security, who jointly appealed the lower court’s ruling. The stay allows Florida to continue detaining migrants and proceed with facility expansion while the broader legal case moves forward.

Supporters, including state Attorney General James Uthmeier, argue the facility increases detention capacity and helps expedite deportations. Critics, however, remain concerned about detainee conditions and the potential environmental impact. The case, backed by the Trump administration, underscores ongoing tensions over the balance of state and federal power in immigration enforcement.