Florida Defies Federal Order to Shut Down ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Facility

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing back hard against a federal court ruling that seeks to shut down a controversial immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, located deep in the Florida Everglades, has been central to the state’s deportation efforts—but it’s now at the heart of a legal and political storm.

Earlier this week, a federal judge ordered that the facility cease admitting new detainees and begin dismantling operations within 60 days. The court’s ruling cited environmental violations and damage to protected land, particularly the surrounding habitat of endangered species like the Florida panther.

But DeSantis made it clear during a press conference that the state won’t be backing down.

“This ruling comes from an activist judge who had already made up her mind before the facts were ever presented,” DeSantis said. “We expected this. We planned for it. And we’re not stopping what we’re doing.”

According to DeSantis, the state anticipated the judge’s move and already has a contingency plan in place to continue detaining and deporting individuals who enter the country illegally.

“This will not slow us down. Our mission is clear: secure Florida, enforce the law, and assist the federal government in removing dangerous illegal aliens from our country,” he added.

The Judge’s Ruling

The judge, a federal appointee, issued an 82-page ruling explaining her decision. In it, she cited violations of the National Environmental Policy Act and stated that the detention center’s construction had caused “irreparable harm” to native species and ecosystems. Industrial lighting, fencing, sewage infrastructure, and constant aircraft noise were all mentioned as factors contributing to ecological degradation.

The lawsuit prompting the decision was brought by a coalition of environmental activists and tribal representatives, who argued that the land was sacred and environmentally sensitive.

In her ruling, the judge emphasized that elected officials in Florida had long pledged to protect the Everglades, and that their failure to do so in this case represented a breach of public trust.

State Officials Fire Back

The reaction from Florida’s leadership was swift and defiant. State Attorney General James Uthmeier described the ruling as “a desperate attempt to block lawful immigration enforcement.” Department of Homeland Security officials echoed that sentiment, saying the ruling interferes with the lawful detention of individuals deemed a risk to public safety.

“Alligator Alcatraz remains operational,” Uthmeier said. “And we will fight this ruling at every level.”

Despite the legal obstacles, the facility currently houses about 400 detainees. What will happen to them in the coming weeks remains uncertain, depending on appeals and legal maneuvering.

A New Facility Already in the Works

DeSantis also revealed that the state is preparing to expand its detention capabilities regardless of the court’s order. A second site, already dubbed the “Deportation Depot,” is being developed near Jacksonville. It’s designed to hold up to 2,000 individuals and will be located near an airport to expedite the removal process.

“The demand for lawful enforcement is there,” DeSantis said. “And we’re meeting that demand.”

The announcement has sparked renewed controversy, with environmental groups accusing the governor of ignoring long-term ecological impacts and pushing a political agenda at the expense of Florida’s natural resources.

But supporters of DeSantis argue that public safety and national security must come first—and that many of the criticisms are politically motivated.

Broader Political Implications

The fight over Alligator Alcatraz comes at a time when immigration policy is once again taking center stage nationally. With former President Trump returning to the spotlight and calls for stricter border enforcement increasing across several states, Florida has become a model for hardline immigration action.

DeSantis, a key Trump ally, is aligning state efforts with the federal agenda, emphasizing cooperation with ICE and other federal agencies to prioritize the deportation of individuals with serious criminal records.

“This isn’t just about Florida,” DeSantis said. “It’s about making sure our country has the tools it needs to uphold the rule of law.”

For now, the legal battle will continue in the courts, while construction quietly begins on the new Jacksonville facility. The outcome could set a major precedent—not only for how states enforce immigration laws, but also for how far they’re willing to go in defying federal judicial authority.

As for “Alligator Alcatraz,” its future hangs in the balance—but one thing is certain: the political war around it has only just begun.