Home / Environment / Miccosukee Tribe Celebrates Temporary Halt to "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Facility
Miccosukee Tribe Celebrates Temporary Halt to "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Facility
9 Aug
Summary
- Miccosukee Tribe applauds federal judge's order blocking further construction of migrant detention facility
- Tribe joins environmental groups in lawsuit over facility's impact on Everglades and endangered species
- Tribe feels their homeland is being "trampled on" by the rapid expansion of the detention center
In a significant development, the Miccosukee Tribe is celebrating a temporary victory in their fight against the "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention facility. Just two months ago, the tribe first learned of plans to transform an abandoned airport near their reservation into a large detention complex as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Alarmed by the rapid expansion and the potential environmental impact, the Miccosukee quickly joined a lawsuit filed by environmental groups against the state of Florida and the federal government.
On August 9th, 2025, a federal judge in Miami granted a temporary restraining order, halting any further construction at the site for the next two weeks. The judge's ruling focused solely on the environmental concerns raised by the Miccosukee and their allies, rather than the alleged inhumane conditions at the detention center. The tribe's lawyers are now set to present evidence this week on how the facility would harm the Everglades and the endangered species that call it home.
While the Miccosukee are cautiously optimistic about this initial victory, they know the legal battle is far from over. The state of Florida has vowed to challenge the temporary order, determined to keep the complex operational and "send illegal aliens back to where they came from." Nevertheless, the tribe remains resolute in their fight to protect their homeland and the delicate ecosystem surrounding it.
