Court Weighs Fate of 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center in Florida Everglades

Environmental groups push to close controversial immigration facility over lack of federal review

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a nondescript, single-story concrete building surrounded by tall grass and palm trees, bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and quiet tension.The controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center in the Florida Everglades remains open as a legal battle over its environmental impact and federal oversight continues.Today in Miami

Environmental groups have asked a federal appellate court panel to lift a temporary halt on closing an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The facility remains open as the court considers arguments from Florida and the Trump administration that federal environmental law does not apply since the state, not the federal government, controls the center.

Why it matters

The Everglades facility has faced multiple legal challenges over its environmental impact and detainee treatment since opening last summer to support the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The case highlights the complex jurisdictional issues between state and federal control over immigration detention centers.

The details

During oral arguments, the three appellate judges questioned whether federal funding and control were required for the federal environmental law to apply to the state-run detention center. An attorney for the environmental groups argued the law applied because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had authorized funding, and immigration is a federal responsibility. However, a Florida official said the state retained decision-making authority, so the facility was not federally controlled.

  • In early September, the appellate court issued a temporary halt on closing the facility.
  • In mid-August, a federal district judge in Miami ordered the facility to wind down operations over two months due to the lack of an environmental review.
  • The Everglades facility opened last summer to support the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The players

Jesse Panuccio

An attorney for the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

Paul Schwiep

An attorney representing the Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity.

William Pryor

Chief Judge of the appellate court, appointed by President George W. Bush.

Nancy Abudu

Appellate court judge, appointed by President Joe Biden.

Adam Gustafson

Attorney for the federal government.

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What they’re saying

“You need both. Even with funding, I don't think that would follow because they don't have federal control.”

— Jesse Panuccio, Attorney for the Florida Department of Emergency Management

“It's not federally controlled when the state retains authority to make decisions.”

— William Pryor, Chief Judge

“Is it also, once the federal government gives the states its authority, it's the 'Wild, Wild West?'”

— Nancy Abudu, Appellate Court Judge

What’s next

The appellate court judges did not indicate when they would rule on whether to lift the temporary halt on closing the Everglades detention center.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex jurisdictional issues between state and federal control over immigration detention centers, as well as the ongoing legal battles over the environmental impact and detainee treatment at the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility in the Florida Everglades.