A federal appeals court has reversed a previous order that required the state of Florida and the Trump administration to close the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center, permitting the facility to remain operational. The US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, granted a request from Florida officials and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pause a lower court’s injunction while litigation continues.
Previously, US District Judge Kathleen Williams had issued a ruling mandating a stop to the facility’s expansion and initiating dismantling within 60 days. Judge Williams, appointed by former President Barack Obama, aligned with claims from environmental advocates and a Native American tribe who alleged that federal environmental assessments were necessary before operational changes to the site.
In response to Judge Williams’ ruling, the DHS had begun relocating detainees from the Everglades facility. However, the appellate court found that state and federal officials are likely to demonstrate that the detention center is not governed by the National Environmental Policy Act.
The majority opinion in the appellate ruling was authored by two judges appointed by former President Trump, while an Obama-appointed judge dissented. The DHS characterized the ruling as a positive outcome for the public, stating that the lawsuit was more about political motivations than environmental concerns. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also praised the ruling, expressing frustration over the previous injunction.
Commentary from Friends of the Everglades and other plaintiffs involved in the environmental lawsuit has not yet been made. The legal developments surrounding Alligator Alcatraz continue to unfold amidst ongoing discussions regarding immigration enforcement and environmental regulations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl5ry3rgzro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss