Obama-Appointed Judge Shuts Down ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Construction Over ‘Environmental Concerns’

An Obama-appointed federal judge has put a stop to all new construction at the Florida prison, known as Alligator Alcatraz, that is currently being used to house illegal immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Mary Williams granted a temporary restraining order — requested by Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida — which will halt all new construction for 14 days pending additional hearings on the potential environmental impact of the project. According to the court filings, the request was made because the construction had begun without first conducting the federally required environmental impact studies.

JUST IN: A federal judge has temporarily halted any further construction of the immigrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” https://t.co/cH3QP1x48o pic.twitter.com/9IXwGhx66t

— ABC News (@ABC) August 7, 2025

The land surrounding the prison is home to a number of “sensitive” wildlife species, including the endangered Florida panther, and according to the request, is also considered sacred by the Miccosukee Tribe.

“We welcome the court’s decision to pause construction on this deeply concerning project. The detention facility threatens land that is not only environmentally sensitive but sacred to our people. While this order is temporary, it is an important step in asserting our rights and protecting our homeland. The Miccosukee Tribe will continue to stand for our culture, our sovereignty, and the Everglades,” Miccosukee Chairman Talbert Cypress said of the judge’s ruling.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office also released a statement reacting to the judge’s decision, saying, “Judge Williams’ order is wrong, and we will fight it. However, it does not shut down Alligator Alcatraz, which will continue to send illegal aliens back to where they came from.”

Attorneys for the state of Florida argue that the facility was built and maintained by the state and is not subject to regulations stemming from the National Environmental Policy Act — and therefore should not be required to complete the aforementioned environmental impact studies, though the facility is currently being funded by the federal government.

The ruling, as Uthmeier’s office noted, only applies to new construction at the prison. The facility can still remain operational, and federal immigration authorities and the state of Florida can still use it to house detainees, but any new additions fall under the restraining order.