A Federal Judge has ordered the shut down of the Alligator Alcatraz Detention facility, located in Florida Everglades.
Judge Kathleen M. Williams ruled that the detention center poses environmental hazards and ordered its dismantling, adding, “The state and federal governments failed to consider potential environmental harms before building the facility.”
Both branches of the government are directed to move existing detainees from the facility and remove fencing, cut down power, lighting and remove generators within the next 60 days.
For the unversed, Alligator Alcatraz, formally known as the South Florida Detention Facility, is an immigration detention facility in Florida, United States.
This marks a major legal setback for President Trump’s administration amid ongoing crackdown against illegal immigration.
Judge Kathleen’s verdict states that the government violated federal law for not going through an environmental review before starting any major construction project.
The state government has however immediately filed a notice that they want to file an appeal against the decision.
According to the New York Times, Alligator Alcatraz was constructed in the area surrounded by protected lands that form part of the sensitive Everglades ecological system.
The ecological system is crucial for the region and beyond as it provides natural water filtration for millions of people, flood control, and a vital habitat for biodiversity.
In the preliminary ruling, the Judge wrote, “The Detention facility creates irreparable harm in the form of habitat loss and increased mortality to endangered species in the area.”
The state government is expected to ask for the order’s implementation to be stayed as the case continue to be litigated.
