Judge Halts Construction At Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'

6 hours ago A federal judge has ordered a two-week halt to construction at an immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” as she considers whether it violates environmental laws. The facility was quickly built two months ago at a lightly used, single-runway training airport and can hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. The facility was continuing to be built out, but Thursday's order by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams temporarily bars any new filling, paving or infrastructure. The order doesn’t include any restrictions on law enforcement or immigration enforcement activity at the center. Williams issued the temporary restraining order during a hearing and said she would issue a written order later Thursday.