Environmental Groups Urge Court to Lift Halt on Closing 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center

Appellate judges question federal control and environmental review requirements for state-run immigration facility in Florida Everglades.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of the exterior of a large, nondescript concrete building surrounded by lush greenery, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conceptually illustrating the environmental concerns over the Everglades detention center.The legal battle over the environmental impact of Florida's controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center continues, as advocates fight to close the facility.Today in Orlando

Environmental groups have asked a federal appellate court panel to lift a temporary halt on a lower court's order to close an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as 'Alligator Alcatraz'. The facility remains open as the appellate court reviews arguments from Florida and the Trump administration that the state had not yet applied for federal reimbursement and therefore wasn't required to follow federal environmental law.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing legal battle over the operation of the controversial Everglades detention center, which was opened by Florida to support the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Environmental groups argue the facility violates federal environmental laws, while the state claims it is not subject to those requirements.

The details

During oral arguments, the three appellate judges focused on the level of federal control over the state-built facility and the circumstances under which an environmental review would be required under federal law. The state argued that without direct federal funding and control, the facility is not subject to the federal environmental review process. The environmental groups countered that immigration is a federal responsibility, so the facility must comply with federal laws.

  • In early September, the appellate court issued a temporary halt on the lower court's order to close the facility.
  • In late September, Florida was notified that FEMA had approved $608 million in federal funding to support the center's construction and operation.

The players

Friends of the Everglades

An environmental advocacy group that is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Everglades detention center.

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental nonprofit organization that is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the Everglades detention center.

Jesse Panuccio

An attorney for the Florida Department of Emergency Management, arguing on behalf of the state.

Paul Schwiep

An attorney representing the environmental groups, arguing that the facility must comply with federal environmental laws.

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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 Florida Department of Emergency Management

“What is different about this property is that immigration is constitutionally a federal function. The state has no role.”

— Paul Schwiep, Attorney for environmental groups

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 ongoing legal battle over the operation of the controversial Everglades detention center, with environmental groups arguing it violates federal laws while the state claims it is not subject to those requirements. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of the facility and the state's role in immigration enforcement.