Detainees to testify about legal access at 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Federal judge to consider whether detainees get sufficient access to legal system at Florida immigration facility

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Former detainees are set to testify Wednesday about conditions at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', as a federal judge considers whether they are getting sufficient access to the legal system. Civil rights attorneys representing the detainees are seeking a temporary injunction to ensure they get the same access to their attorneys as at other immigration detention facilities.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing legal battles over access to counsel and due process for immigrants detained at the remote state-run facility, which has faced multiple lawsuits challenging its operations and environmental impact.

The details

The detainees' lawsuit claims their First Amendment rights are being violated, alleging that attorneys have to make appointments to visit three days in advance, detainees are often transferred to other facilities after appointments are made, and scheduling delays have prevented them from meeting attorneys before key deadlines. State and federal officials deny restricting access and say protocols are in place for security and staffing reasons.

  • The Everglades facility was built last summer by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration.
  • The two-day hearing before U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell is taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.

The players

Sheri Polster Chappell

U.S. District Judge presiding over the hearing.

Juan Lopez Vega

Deputy field office director of ICE's enforcement and removal operations in Miami, who unsuccessfully tried to quash a subpoena to testify.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant a temporary injunction to ensure detainees get the same legal access as at other immigration facilities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over access to counsel and due process for immigrants detained at the remote and controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility in the Florida Everglades, which has faced multiple lawsuits challenging its operations.