When most folks think of the Everglades, they picture swamp boats, gators, and wide-open nature.
But right now, the Everglades are at the center of a fight over immigration enforcement, state power, and environmental lawsuits.
And believe it or not, what’s happening in Florida could matter a lot for Nevada.
BREAKING: Federal appeals court (11th circuit) blocks Obama appointed federal judge Kathleen Williams’ order to close down Alligator Alcatraz & halt all construction there. Additionally, she is blocked from proceeding with the case until FL appeal is complete. Big W for FL & DHS. pic.twitter.com/BMJk237jMP
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) September 4, 2025
How “Alligator Alcatraz” Got Started
In 2025, under President Trump’s immigration policies, Florida began building a detention center deep in the Everglades. Locals nicknamed it “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The project used what’s called a 287(g) agreement, which lets state and local law enforcement help enforce federal immigration laws. Sheriff’s offices across the country, including some in Nevada, have used this same tool to turn over criminal illegal immigrants to federal authorities.
But the detention center became an instant target. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, saying the facility would harm the fragile ecosystem, especially the alligators and endangered wildlife that live there.
Judge Kathleen Williams, an Obama appointee with a history of siding against tough enforcement, ordered the facility closed.
She’s the same judge who, back in 2020, forced Miami-Dade jails to adopt strict COVID safety measures that critics said went way beyond common sense.
Appeals Court Says Facility Can Move Forward
Last week, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals weighed in. The panel pushed back against Judge Williams’ closure order, allowing Florida to keep moving forward.
The ruling even mentioned Judge Barbara Lagoa, a respected conservative jurist who’s been floated as a future Supreme Court nominee. That reference caught attention because it hints at bigger judicial battles ahead.
Critics argue Florida never had the authority to build the center in the first place, claiming immigration is strictly a federal issue. They also say the state cut corners on environmental reviews.
But supporters point out the facility was launched under clear legal agreements and is urgently needed to detain illegal immigrants who would otherwise end up back on the streets.
Nevada Sheriffs Could Face the Same Fight
So what does this have to do with us? Well, Nevada sheriffs have also debated 287(g) agreements.
In Clark County, the ACLU and other activist groups have fought hard to block cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
They claim it erodes “community trust” – but law enforcement leaders say it keeps dangerous criminals from slipping through the cracks.
If environmental lawsuits can be used to shut down a detention facility in Florida, what’s to stop the same playbook from being used here?
The Left’s Playbook: Sue Until They Win
At its heart, this fight is about whether states can step up when Washington fails. The Biden years saw open borders and overwhelmed federal facilities.
States like Florida -and potentially Nevada, if leaders have the backbone – are trying to fill the gap. The left wants courts to tie their hands.
Environmental protection is important, but it shouldn’t become a weapon to stop states from protecting their citizens.
States Need Backbone
The battle over “Alligator Alcatraz” is about more than one detention center in the swamp.
It’s about whether states like Florida and Nevada have the right to defend their communities when Washington drops the ball.
Conservatives see the appeals court ruling as a step toward restoring that balance. Liberals, meanwhile, are likely to keep suing until they find a judge who agrees with them.
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.
