NEW: Appeals Court Reveals Official Verdict On The Fate Of Alligator Alcatraz

The future of Florida’s immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” took a dramatic turn Thursday after a federal appeals court halted a lower court’s order to dismantle the facility.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay blocking U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ ruling, which had demanded the site be shut down and stripped bare within 60 days. Williams, an Obama appointee whose decision was celebrated by progressive activists, had argued that the detention center violated environmental laws by failing to conduct a full review before construction.

Florida officials called the stay a major victory for President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda and a stinging rebuke of what they described as judicial activism. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wasted no time declaring victory after the appeals court ruling was released.

“Victory secured against the activist judge who tried to stop us,” Uthmeier posted on social media. “The 11th Circuit not only blocked Judge Williams’ order to close Alligator Alcatraz, but they blocked her from proceeding with the case until the appeal is complete. A win for Florida and President Trump’s agenda.”

Victory secured against activist judge who held me in contempt!

The 11th Circuit not only blocked Judge Williams’ order to close Alligator Alcatraz, but they blocked her from proceeding with the case until the appeal is complete.

A win for Florida and President Trump’s agenda!

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) September 4, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis also praised the appeals court decision, saying the ruling means “the mission continues” for Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Judge Williams’ ruling in late August blindsided Florida officials and the Trump administration. The judge ordered the massive facility — located on a remote Everglades airstrip — to be dismantled within two months. Her order not only required detainee transfers to stop but also demanded fences, lighting, and other infrastructure be torn down.

Ochopee, FL, USA – August 11, 2025: Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility erected at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport inside Big Cypress National Preserve

Williams sided with environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who argued that the state had bypassed federal law requiring environmental impact studies before building on protected wetlands. Her decision immediately triggered outrage from Trump allies, who accused her of placing ideology above public safety.

Critics also noted the enormous financial stakes. Florida had already invested $218 million into the project, with contracts exceeding $405 million and annual operating costs estimated at $450 million. Closing the site would have left taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions with nothing to show for it.

The 11th Circuit’s decision puts Williams’ order on hold while the case moves forward. For now, Alligator Alcatraz will remain open for business, and detainees will not be relocated out of the facility.

Florida officials say the appeals court ruling not only preserves the state’s financial investment but also safeguards Trump’s ability to enforce immigration law without interference from what they call “rogue judges.”

Even as Florida celebrates the ruling, the fight is not over. Other legal challenges are still in play. A separate lawsuit filed on behalf of detainees alleges they are being denied private access to attorneys and subjected to inhumane conditions. A federal court in Fort Myers held a hearing on those claims Thursday, with attorneys insisting that their clients’ constitutional rights are being trampled.

Still, the appeals court’s decision represents a pivotal moment. Instead of being forced to dismantle the facility in a matter of weeks, Florida and the Trump administration now have breathing room to press forward with their immigration strategy.

For now, Trump’s immigration crackdown is back on track, and Florida’s investment in Alligator Alcatraz is preserved.