'Alligator Alcatraz': Federal court allows detention center to stay open during appeal

ORLANDO, Fla. - A federal appeals court has paused a judge’s order that would have shut down Florida’s controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center facility in the Florida Everglades.

Here's the latest on what we know about the ongoing controversy surrounding the immigration detention facility. 

Gov. DeSantis on Alligator Alcatraz: ‘Open and operational’ 

Latest updates:

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday stayed a lower court ruling issued last month that cited environmental concerns as the reason to halt operations. The decision means the center can continue housing detainees and proceed with construction plans during the appeals process.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the ruling on social media.

"We said we would fight that. We said the mission would continue. And I’m pleased to say that the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has just stayed that ruling and stayed the case," DeSantis wrote. "‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is, in fact, like we’ve always said, open for business. The mission continues."

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams last week denied requests to pause her order to close the facility. In the order, Williams said she expected the population of the facility to decline within 60 days through the transferring of the detainees to other facilities, and once that happened, fencing, lighting and generators should be removed.

The governor said that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had not sent more undocumented immigrants to the facility following Williams' ruling, which he described as "very partisan."

The facility, built in June, was designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees.

What is ‘Alligator Alcatraz?’

The backstory:

The immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades was hastily built this summer to meet President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement push, with Florida officials spending more than $245 million on construction and operations. The site was carved out of a remote training airport in sensitive wetlands. 

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

The facility opened on July 1 and was built to hold up to 3,000 detainees. The first group of detainees arrived on July 3, and the opening day event was marked by a visit from Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ongoing controversy

Big picture view:

There has been a large amount of controversy surrounding "Alligator Alcatraz" since it first opened. 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

The concerns stem from allegations of inhumane conditions for undocumented immigrants, environmental concerns due to its location in the Everglades, and legal challenges disputing the legality of its operation and construction. Critics point to isolated conditions, potential lack of access to legal counsel and the facility's remote, wildlife-rich location as problematic.

However, the Trump administration and DHS defend the facility as a necessary measure that meets federal standards. The leaders say the facility is a necessary and efficient measure to house migrants and deter illegal immigration, and that the facility is clean and provides adequate medical and legal access.