Lawyers Say Access to 'Alligator Alcatraz' Remains Difficult

Judge weighs case over detainee access to attorneys at Florida immigration detention facility

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Attorneys representing detainees at the state-run 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades say they are still facing hurdles in accessing their clients, despite claims from state officials that barriers have been removed. The lawyers filed statements with a federal court, stating their clients were unable to call them using staff cellphones and the attorneys were unable to make unannounced visits to the facility.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns over access to legal counsel for detainees at the controversial Everglades facility, which was built by the DeSantis administration to support Trump-era immigration policies. Detainees allege their First Amendment rights have been violated through restricted attorney access.

The details

During a recent court hearing, a state contractor testified that detainees and attorneys had access to staff cellphones and could make unannounced visits. However, the attorneys filing the new statements say those options are still not available. The Florida Department of Emergency Management, which oversees the detention center, did not respond to a request for comment.

  • The Everglades facility was built last summer.
  • The former Everglades detainees' lawsuit claims their First Amendment rights were violated.
  • U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has yet to rule on whether to grant the detainees' request for the same attorney access as at federally-run detention centers.

The players

Alligator Alcatraz

A state-run immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who oversaw the construction of the Everglades detention facility to support Trump-era immigration policies.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose immigration policies were supported by the construction of the Everglades detention facility.

Sheri Polster Chappell

The U.S. District Judge presiding over the case regarding detainee access to attorneys at the Everglades facility.

Florida Department of Emergency Management

The state agency overseeing the Everglades detention center.

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What’s next

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell will rule on whether to grant the detainees' request for the same attorney access as at federally-run detention centers.

The takeaway

The ongoing legal battle over access to the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility highlights the broader challenges detainees face in obtaining adequate legal representation, even as state officials claim barriers have been removed. The case underscores the need for continued oversight and reform of immigration detention policies.