Florida Governor Ron DeSantis isn’t backing down after a federal judge ordered the shutdown of the state’s controversial immigration detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The standoff highlights not just Florida’s fight over immigration policy but a growing clash between state sovereignty and activist judges.
On August 21, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, an Obama appointee, ruled that the state failed to follow environmental laws before setting up the facility at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee.
Her 82-page opinion said the project violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by skipping an environmental review in the protected Big Cypress National Preserve.
Williams claimed the detention site could cause “irreparable harm” to the Everglades, mentioning endangered species like the Florida panther and impacts on land sacred to the Miccosukee Tribe.
She ordered the state to wind down operations in 60 days, stop accepting new detainees, and dismantle temporary structures like fences and generators.
Environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades and Earthjustice, celebrated the decision, saying it was a win for conservation and tribal rights.
DeSantis fired back the next day in Panama City, calling Williams an “activist judge” trying to “do policy from the bench.”
He made it clear the state will appeal immediately to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which leans more conservative.
“This is not going to deter us,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to continue working on the deportations, advancing that mission.”
His communications director added a bit of humor with a tough message: “The deportations will continue until morale improves.”
Supporters online praised DeSantis’ refusal to back down.
One X user posted, “IGNORE ALL ROGUE ACTIVIST JUDGES. I LOVE THIS,” reflecting the enthusiasm among his base.
Alligator Alcatraz” was built quickly in 2025 under an emergency order from DeSantis, bypassing the normal process of public hearings and legislative approval.
It can hold up to 3,000 detainees in tents, though fewer than 400 remain after transfers this summer.
DeSantis argued the facility was needed to back up President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration.
In fact, the governor has already announced plans for another detention site called “Deportation Depot” in Baker County, west of Jacksonville, which could hold up to 2,000 detainees.
Nevadans watching this fight may recall how our state has struggled with federal mandates too.
For example, water and land-use battles over the Desert National Wildlife Refuge often pit Nevada ranchers and state officials against Washington bureaucrats.
Like Florida, Nevada knows what it’s like when outsiders try to impose rules that ignore local priorities.
Opponents of the center point to reports of poor conditions.
Detainees said they faced flooding, poor sanitation, and limited access to lawyers.
Civil rights lawyers have already filed a separate lawsuit over those issues.
Democrats in Florida also pushed back.
Five state lawmakers sued after being denied entry for oversight, saying DeSantis overstepped his authority.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz cheered the judge’s ruling and introduced legislation to shut the site down permanently.
Environmentalists insist DeSantis should have chosen another location.
They argue the Everglades has been at the center of billion-dollar restoration projects for decades, and putting a detention camp in the middle of it was reckless.
Still, DeSantis’ stand has become a political boost for him, earning headlines and energizing conservatives nationwide.
Supporters see the fight as not just about immigration but about state sovereignty and refusing to bow to liberal judges.
With the case now headed to the appeals court and a new detention facility on the way, this battle is far from over.
The judge’s ruling may slow things down, but DeSantis seems determined to double down, not back off.
And here’s the bottom line: whether you’re in Florida or Nevada, people are tired of federal judges and Washington elites trying to dictate how states handle local problems.
Immigration, water, land, energy – these are fights happening across America, and the outcome in Florida could set the tone for the next round of battles in the states.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
