A US appeals court has ruled that a Florida migrant detention center, widely known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” can stay open while the Trump administration challenges an earlier shutdown order. The decision came on Thursday, offering the administration temporary relief in its immigration crackdown.

Court Reverses Lower Court Shutdown

Initially, a district court judge barred federal and state officials from bringing new migrants to the site. Moreover, the judge ordered much of the facility to be dismantled within 60 days, effectively shutting it down.
However, on Thursday, a three-judge panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that order. As a result, the detention center can remain operational while the appeal is being heard, giving the administration more time to defend its position.

Environmental Groups Challenge the Facility

The legal fight began when Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the project. They argued that the center threatens the fragile Everglades wetlands and was hastily built without environmental impact studies, which are required by law.
Consequently, they urged the court to halt operations immediately to prevent irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

Rapid Construction Raises Questions

The facility was constructed in just eight days this past June on an abandoned airfield deep within the Everglades. It features bunk beds, wire cages, and massive white tents, surrounded by areas populated with alligators.

Furthermore, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that the site was designed to hold up to 3,000 undocumented migrants.
President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to deport millions of migrants, personally visited the center after its opening. During his visit, he boasted about its tough conditions and even joked that the alligators could serve as guards.
The White House later nicknamed the site “Alligator Alcatraz,” comparing it to the infamous San Francisco Bay prison that Trump has previously said he would like to reopen.

Previous Court Order Halted Expansion

Last month, the district judge issued a ruling to halt further construction and begin dismantling the site. At the time, activists celebrated the decision, calling it a victory for environmental protection and human rights.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration quickly appealed, leading to Thursday’s ruling, which now keeps the center operational for the time being.

Reports of Poor Conditions Emerge

Meanwhile, detainees have described harsh conditions inside the facility. Several spoke to AFP, reporting a lack of medical care, mistreatment by staff, and violations of their legal rights.
As a result, human rights groups are demanding independent investigations and urgent improvements to living conditions.

What Lies Ahead

For now, the center will remain open as the appeals process continues. However, if the Trump administration loses its case, the facility could face complete closure in the coming months.

Ultimately, this case has become a flashpoint in the national debate on immigration, raising questions about environmental protection, migrant rights, and federal immigration policies.