Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, declared that Alligator Alcatraz will continue its operations despite a federal judge's decision. In a phone conversation with Local 10, Uthmeier revealed that an appeal notice has been submitted. "We will keep the facility functioning... We believe these are entirely legal facilities. This is an effort by environmentalists, the left, Democrats, and frankly, this judge, to obstruct our immigration control measures. They dislike deportations," he stated.
Legal Battles Intensify Over Alligator Alcatraz
Efforts to overturn the judge's ruling to shut down Alligator Alcatraz are gaining momentum, with the state of Florida asking the court to halt a recent federal judge's decision to dismantle the detention center. The state has requested the appeals court to stay the closure order, which is set for Monday at 5 p.m.
New Legal Challenges Emerge
On Sunday, a fresh federal lawsuit filed by civil and immigration rights organizations challenged the legality of the detention center's operations in the Everglades. This marks the third significant legal challenge against the facility, which was part of Governor Ron DeSantis's strategy to toughen immigration policies. The lawsuit was filed in the Middle District of Florida by the ACLU, the ACLU of Florida, the Community Justice Project, and the National Immigrant Justice Center. This new legal action adds to two previous battles.
The initial challenge, led by civil rights attorneys, accused the facility of pressuring migrants to sign deportation orders without legal representation and severely limiting their communication with attorneys. The second challenge was brought by the Miccosukee Tribe and environmental groups, who filed environmental lawsuits citing violations of federal laws and irreversible damage to endangered species in the Everglades.
Controversies Surrounding Contractors
Just days ago, federal judge Kathleen Williams ordered the definitive closure of the site, citing irreversible environmental damage caused by its construction. The ruling mandates the dismantling of the facility within 60 days, though the state has already announced an appeal. Adding to the controversies are revelations by the Miami Herald about contractors linked to the project. Five companies hired by Florida to build and operate Alligator Alcatraz have histories of fraud, overpricing, and public funds mismanagement.
Among them is SLSCO, under investigation for employing armed guards without legal status during border wall construction and for charging inflated rates at asylum seeker shelters in New York. Others include Garner Environmental Services, accused of excessive billing; IRG Global Emergency Management, linked to fraudulent claims after hurricanes; and the Canadian conglomerate GardaWorld, responsible for numerous fatal accidents with armored trucks. Even CDW Government, a supplier of electronic equipment for the center, acknowledged being under federal investigation for alleged fraud in public contracts, having paid over five million dollars in 2013 to settle a similar case.
Since its opening in July 2025, Alligator Alcatraz has been touted by DeSantis and Donald Trump as a model for future immigration facilities. However, testimonies from detainees and lawyers paint a starkly different picture: inhumane conditions, unventilated tents, overflowing toilets, worm-infested food, frequent power outages, and mosquito infestations in the sweltering swamp heat.
Key Questions About Alligator Alcatraz
What legal actions have been taken against Alligator Alcatraz?
Three major legal challenges have been filed against Alligator Alcatraz, including lawsuits by civil rights groups, environmental organizations, and the Miccosukee Tribe, questioning the facility's legality and environmental impact.
Why is the state of Florida appealing the federal judge's decision?
Florida is appealing the decision because state officials, including Attorney General James Uthmeier, believe the facilities are legal and that the ruling is an attempt to hinder immigration control efforts.
What controversies surround the contractors of Alligator Alcatraz?
Controversies include histories of fraud, overpricing, and mismanagement of public funds by companies involved in building and operating Alligator Alcatraz, as well as ongoing federal investigations into some contractors.