Orlando, FL: Tonight, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that forbids the State of Florida from bringing any new detainees to the Florida Everglades immigrant detention camp, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” It also permanently halts all new construction at the site, prevents Florida from expanding the facility any further, and requires the state to begin winding down detention operations — requiring, within 60 days and as population attrition allows, that fencing, lighting, and other key infrastructure be dismantled. The order also restores access to the land to the Miccosukee tribe.
Click here to read the full order.
Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani served as an expert witness on this case, and below is her statement in response:
“Today’s injunction is a resounding victory for Florida’s environment and for justice. The Everglades is one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the world, and the idea of carving it up for a sprawling detention camp was both reckless and cruel. This ruling protects our wetlands, our wildlife, and our water supply, while also affirming that we cannot sacrifice human dignity for political gain. Florida deserves solutions that protect people and the planet — not projects that devastate both.”