A federal appeals court on Thursday temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that would have shut down a controversial immigration detention facility in Florida, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Last month, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, issued an order preventing the federal government from transferring additional detainees to the site and instructed that the facility be dismantled within 60 days. Her ruling cited both environmental concerns and limitations on the facility’s operations.
The mission continues at Alligator Alcatraz.
The media was wrong.
The leftist judge has been overturned.
Florida will keep leading the way. pic.twitter.com/Ik2fJnqXIP
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 4, 2025
The detention center, officially known as the TNT site but nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, was established over the summer under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Located in the Florida Everglades, it is surrounded by dense swampland and native wildlife, including alligators and pythons. The facility houses undocumented immigrants, including individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes.
Judge Williams had previously issued a temporary halt on construction, citing potential environmental violations. According to the Associated Press, her ruling barred the addition of infrastructure such as lighting, paving, or new residential units, and prohibited bringing in new detainees while legal proceedings continued.
However, on Thursday, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2–1 to stay Judge Williams’ order, allowing the facility to continue operations. The panel consisted of Judges Barbara Lagoa and Elizabeth Branch, both appointed by former President Donald Trump, who formed the majority. Judge Adalberto Jordan, an Obama appointee, dissented.
Governor DeSantis welcomed the appeals court’s decision and criticized Judge Williams’ original ruling, accusing her of overreach.
The legal battle over Alligator Alcatraz is ongoing, and the case may return to the lower court for further hearings or proceed to the Supreme Court if appeals continue.