Following a hearing at the federal courthouse in Miami, Florida, on August 7th, federal judge Kathleen Williams ordered a halt to all new construction at the "alcatraz crocodile jail," an immigration detention center located in the Everglades. The order is in effect until August 12th. Judge Williams's order does not suspend or interfere with law enforcement operations at the facility.
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Toilet and bunk beds in a cell at the "alcatraz crocodile jail" in Florida on July 1st. Photo: AFP |
Toilet and bunk beds in a cell at the "alcatraz crocodile jail" in Florida on July 1st. Photo: AFP
The ruling comes amid a lawsuit filed by two environmental groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Everglades, against Florida authorities. The plaintiffs argue that the "alcatraz crocodile jail" project violates the US National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires the federal government to consider environmental impacts before approving construction projects.
"It's a relief that the court intervened to protect the Everglades' water, wildlife, and environment as we continue this lawsuit," said Elise Bennett, an attorney representing the Center for Biological Diversity.
The move represents a setback for President Donald Trump's efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin argued that the plaintiffs "ignored the fact" that the area where the jail is located has been under development for a decade.
"This is yet another attempt to prevent President Trump from fulfilling his promise to the American people," McLaughlin said.
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Location and diagram of the "alcatraz crocodile jail". Graphic: Washington Post |
Location and diagram of the "alcatraz crocodile jail". Graphic: Washington Post
Florida officials began construction of the "alcatraz crocodile jail" at the Dade-Collier airport, deep within the Everglades wetlands, on June 23rd. The Everglades is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including American crocodiles and alligators.
The facility, with a capacity of up to 5,000 people, began receiving detained immigrants on July 2nd. Florida officials estimate the annual operating cost to be around 450 million USD.
In addition to environmental concerns, critics of the "alcatraz crocodile jail" have condemned the facility as inhumane and dangerous for detainees due to inadequate living conditions.
Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, The Hill)
