A federal judge has mandated the closure of Florida’s immigrant detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz, granting the state a period of 60 days to vacate the premises. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on August 22, 2025, marks a significant victory for environmentalists and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, who have raised concerns regarding the facility’s detrimental impact on the federally protected Everglades.
The decision comes as Governor Ron DeSantis intends to convert a prison in North Florida into an additional immigrant detention site. Under the new ruling, state officials are prohibited from relocating any more migrants to Alligator Alcatraz. This facility had become emblematic of former President Donald Trump‘s immigration policies, which have faced widespread criticism.
Judge Williams’s order emphasizes the environmental ramifications of the detention site, which have been a point of contention between state officials and local tribes. The Miccosukee Tribe has long argued that the facility poses a threat to the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades, home to numerous endangered species.
Following the ruling, Florida authorities swiftly filed an appeal, indicating their intent to contest the decision. The state has expressed its commitment to continue its immigration enforcement efforts, despite the legal setbacks.
Environmental advocacy groups have welcomed the judge’s ruling as a crucial step toward protecting the Everglades from the adverse effects of human activity. The facility’s closure is seen not only as a victory for environmentalists but also as a reflection of growing concerns regarding the treatment of migrants in detention centers across the United States.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the state of Florida as it navigates the legal and logistical challenges of complying with the court’s order. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future immigration policies and their environmental implications.