Florida 'Alligator Alcatraz' Closure Battle

A federal judge, Ken Williams, ordered the closure of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention facility in the Everglades, a controversial state-run site in United States — Florida. The facility, rapidly constructed two months ago under former President Donald Trump's initiative to hold up to 3,000 detainees, has faced multiple lawsuits from environmental groups, including the Miccosukee and the Center for Biological Diversity, citing environmental threats and civil rights attorneys detailing 'severe problems' for detainees. United States — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's administration and the United States federal government are fighting the judge's order, appealing the decision and requesting a stay, arguing the facility's beds are needed due to overcrowding elsewhere. Despite the legal battle, United States — Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie indicated the facility would likely be empty within days, though Governor Ron DeSantis attributed this to rapid deportations by the United States — United States Department of Homeland Security rather than a permanent shutdown. United States — Florida has already signed over $245 million in contracts for the facility and plans another called 'Deportation Depot'.