DeSantis Defies Federal Order to Shut Down Controversial Florida Immigration Facility

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is vowing to defy a federal judge’s recent order to shut down a controversial immigration detention center in Ochopee, Florida—nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, which has been central to state-level deportation efforts, was ordered to stop accepting new detainees and begin dismantling operations within 60 days.

The decision came from U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who cited the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental damage concerns brought forth by the Miccosukee Tribe and various environmental organizations. Judge Williams ruled that the facility poses “irreparable harm” to the local ecosystem, specifically referencing the endangered Florida panther and fragile Everglades habitat.

In an 82-page opinion, Williams wrote, “This facility’s ongoing operations contribute to habitat loss, pollution, and increased mortality for species already on the brink.” She also ordered the removal of all supporting infrastructure—including high-powered lighting, fencing, waste systems, and generators.

But Governor DeSantis has made it clear that he views the ruling not as an impartial legal decision, but as a political attack on Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts.

“This was expected. This judge has made rulings like this before. It’s not about the law—it’s about activism from the bench,” DeSantis said at a press conference following the ruling. “We’re not backing down. We are going to keep moving forward with our mission to detain and deport those who are here illegally and pose a threat to our communities.”

In anticipation of legal challenges, DeSantis revealed that his administration had already prepared a contingency plan. He announced the development of a second detention facility to be located just north of Jacksonville in Baker County. The new center, which the governor referred to as the “Deportation Depot,” will reportedly house up to 2,000 detainees and be situated near a regional airport to streamline deportation logistics.

“Because Alligator Alcatraz has been so effective, we’ve seen the need to expand,” DeSantis said. “This new facility will support our efforts and ensure that we can continue removals even in the face of politically motivated rulings.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also pushed back against the judge’s decision. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, criticized the ruling, calling it an “ideologically driven effort to obstruct law enforcement.” She argued that the land in question had already been developed years ago and should not be subject to new environmental challenges now.

“This is just another excuse to stand in the way of enforcing immigration laws,” McLaughlin said. “The people being detained are not harmless. We are talking about criminals—violent offenders, gang members, and individuals with serious charges.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier echoed those sentiments, calling the judge’s decision “a last-ditch attempt to block immigration enforcement.” He stressed that the Ochopee facility remains open and operational while the state prepares to appeal.

“Alligator Alcatraz isn’t going anywhere without a fight,” Uthmeier said. “We’re committed to doing everything legally possible to protect Floridians and enforce the law.”

Critics of the detention site have expressed concern about its location deep within the Everglades and the potential impact on delicate ecosystems. Advocacy groups and tribal representatives argue that the construction and operation of the center have already disrupted wildlife patterns and water flow.

“Environmental law exists to protect irreplaceable resources like the Everglades,” Judge Williams wrote. “Political expedience does not override federal environmental protections.”

Despite the legal setback, DeSantis emphasized that the state’s immigration strategy is aligned with former President Donald Trump’s broader national agenda, especially if Trump returns to office in 2025.

“We are now leading the charge at the state level,” DeSantis stated. “We’re doing what Washington failed to do for years—remove dangerous individuals from our streets and uphold the rule of law.”

Currently, around 400 detainees remain at the Ochopee facility. Their fate remains uncertain, pending appeal outcomes and further state action. Options under consideration include transferring detainees to other state-run centers, deportation, or federal custody.

“This is bigger than one detention center,” DeSantis said. “This is about defending the sovereignty of our state and upholding the law. We are not going to be deterred.