She determined that construction began without hearings, comments, or environmental studies.
District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered a 14-day pause on the construction of “Alligator Alcatraz,” ruling this past week that there is a strong likelihood the large-scale detention center violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Judge Williams made this initial ruling to stop construction while she hears further arguments from the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed by three environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe. The plaintiffs allege that the construction of the 5,000 capacity jailhouse began without the necessary hearings, public comment period, or the environmental impact reports necessary for construction within a protected environmental area. Alligator Alcatraz is currently being built within the Big Cypress National Preserve.
A spokesperson for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that the order is wrong, “and we will fight it.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who authorized the construction of the detention center on the runway, declared that the state can suspend environmental rules during an immigration emergency.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For district court judges to be prudent as they hear cases challenging the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
- For President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Governor DeSantis as they utilize the Florida detention center.
Sources: NPR, CNN, NY Times
