FEDERAL JUDGE HALTS 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ' ICE DETENTION BUILD; NO NEW INTAKES, GEAR REMOVAL ORDERED

A federal judge in Miami ordered an immediate halt to new construction and barred additional detainee transfers to the 'Alligator Alcatraz' Everglades detention site, siding with environmental groups who said the project violated laws protecting wetlands and wildlife. Judge Kathleen Williams also ordered removal of generators, sewage and other support equipment within 60 days, while Florida filed an appeal. The remote, state-backed facility—supported by President Trump and Gov. DeSantis—was slated to hold up to 5,000 people and draw on DHS/FEMA funds. The ruling signals a significant judicial check on rapid detention expansion at environmentally sensitive sites.