‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Ordered to Close Within 60 Days, Federal Judge Rules

(Rebecca Blackwell/AP photo)

A federal judge in Miami has ordered the migrant detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” to wind down operations within the next two months after a local Indian tribe and environmental group sued over environmental concerns at the detention center.

The ruling from Judge Kathleen M. Williams demands that no new detainees be accepted at the migrant detention facility, and officials there must remove fencing, lighting, gas, and sewage waste receptacles within 60 days.

She also blocked any new construction at the site.

The order was sparked in part by concerns from the Miccosukee Indian Tribe of Florida, who claimed the operation of the facility was impacting their food and water supply.

Williams, who was appointed by then-President Barack Obama in 2010, also pointed out in her order that the Everglades, where “Alligator Alcatraz” was built, has long been protected by local officials and U.S. presidents over the last several decades.

“Every Florida governor, every Florida senator, and countless local and national political figures, including presidents, have publicly pledged their unequivocal support for the restoration, conservation, and protection of the Everglades,” she wrote. “This Order does nothing more than uphold the basic requirements of legislation designed to fulfill those promises.”

“Alligator Alcatraz” opened in July after a tour by President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who touted the facility as ICE activity increased across America.

Williams’ ruling should come as welcome news to detainees and their families, who have long voiced concerns about conditions at the facility, including maggots in food and “more mosquitoes than water.”