Environmental Groups Urge Court to Lift Halt on Closing Everglades Detention Center

Appellate court panel temporarily blocked lower court order to shut down facility in Florida's Everglades.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A photorealistic painting of a lone, two-story concrete building surrounded by tall grasses and palm trees, with the sun casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of isolation and environmental tension.

Environmental advocates argue the isolated detention center poses a threat to the delicate Everglades ecosystem that surrounds it.Today in Orlando

Environmental groups have asked a federal appellate court panel to lift its temporary halt on a lower court's order instructing state officials to close an immigration detention center located in the heart of the Florida Everglades. The groups argue the facility poses environmental risks to the sensitive ecosystem.

Why it matters

The Everglades is a unique and fragile wetland ecosystem that is home to numerous endangered species. Environmental advocates have long raised concerns about the potential impact of the detention center on the surrounding environment and wildlife.

The details

The lower court had previously ordered state officials to close the immigration detention center, citing environmental concerns. However, the appellate court panel issued a temporary halt on that order, prompting the environmental groups to appeal for the halt to be lifted.

On Tuesday, the environmental groups made their request to the federal appellate court panel.

The players