Federal Judge Barbara Lagoa, who is of Cuban-American descent, has ruled to keep the contentious immigrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" operational in northern Florida. This decision comes despite numerous reports of abuse, overcrowding, and human rights violations. The ruling, issued on Thursday, has drawn significant criticism and allegations of a conflict of interest due to her close ties with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, according to Univision.
Established on the grounds of a former rural airport, the detention center opened in the summer of 2025 with state funding and in coordination with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since its inception, human rights organizations and immigration attorneys have criticized the facility for its harsh conditions, lack of legal counsel access, and alleged mistreatment of detainees.
Appointed by former President Donald Trump to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Lagoa denied a closure request filed by immigrant advocates, stating that "the State of Florida is acting within its jurisdiction, and there is insufficient evidence of systemic constitutional rights violations." Her decision has reignited debate in Florida about her political and familial connections to the state administration.
Judge Lagoa is married to attorney Paul Huck, a founding partner of the law firm Lawson Huck Gonzalez, known for its close association with Governor DeSantis. Since its establishment in 2023, the firm has secured over $10 million in state contracts, representing DeSantis's administration in high-profile cases such as the lawsuit against Target over its Pride 2023 campaign and the selection process for the new president of the University of West Florida amid the governor's conservative push against corporations and academic institutions accused of "progressive indoctrination."
Although there is no evidence that Huck or his firm are directly involved with the Alligator Alcatraz case, Democratic leaders and pro-immigrant organizations have criticized the appearance of bias. "Judge Barbara Lagoa is clearly conflicted through her marriage to Paul Huck, and she has a vested interest in maintaining a favorable relationship between her husband's firm and the state of Florida," declared Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, to The Guardian.
The detention center, located in Liberty County, has been the subject of several reports documenting extreme temperatures, overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and retaliation against detainees protesting conditions. ICE has denied these allegations, claiming the facility "meets federal detention standards." However, human rights groups report that detainees often spend weeks or even months without access to lawyers, hearings, or communication with family, and they highlight an increase in respiratory illnesses due to confinement conditions.
Describing the facility as a "legally sanctioned hell," immigration attorney Juan Carlos Ruiz from the Faith in Action collective, emphasized the dire situation. Born in Miami and daughter of Cuban exiles, Barbara Lagoa has built a judicial career closely tied to the Republican Party and Cuban-American political power in South Florida. In 2020, her name was considered by Donald Trump for a potential nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her career includes a prominent role in the case of the Cuban boy Elián González in 2000, which positioned her as a notable figure in the legal and political spheres of the Cuban exile community.
Since then, she has maintained a close relationship with Florida's conservative apparatus and DeSantis himself, who has publicly praised her for her "commitment to law and traditional values." The Alligator Alcatraz case has once again placed Lagoa at the center of controversy, amid a backdrop of increasingly stringent immigration policies in Florida and a surge in undocumented detentions. Civil organizations warn that her ruling could set a dangerous precedent for the expansion of private detention centers in the state.
Controversy Surrounding Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center
Why is the Alligator Alcatraz detention center controversial?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center is controversial due to reports of abuse, overcrowding, and violations of human rights. Human rights organizations and immigration lawyers have criticized its harsh conditions and lack of access to legal counsel.
What is the relationship between Judge Barbara Lagoa and Governor Ron DeSantis?
Judge Barbara Lagoa is closely connected to Governor Ron DeSantis through her marriage to Paul Huck, whose law firm, Lawson Huck Gonzalez, has received significant state contracts and is known for its close association with DeSantis's administration.
What are the allegations against the conditions at the detention center?
Allegations against the detention center include extreme temperatures, overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and lack of access to legal representation. Reports also indicate an increase in respiratory illnesses among detainees due to confinement conditions.