Florida’s Notorious “Alligator Alcatraz” Can Remain Open, Appeals Court Rules

In a 2–1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit on Tuesday reversed a federal judge’s August 2025 ruling that had ordered the Everglades detention camp to wind down for violating the National Environmental Policy Act. Judge William Pryor wrote for the majority that “federal authority is, at most, indirect” because the state of Florida operates and funds the facility — it has spent at least $390 million on the camp. In dissent, Judge Nancy Abudu called the ruling “just plain wrong,” writing that the state is a “willing participant in the federal government’s immigration detention scheme.” The case returns to the district court, where environmental groups vow to keep fighting; allegations of “the box” shackling, pepper-sprayed protests, and mosquito- and flood-ridden conditions remain under Senate investigation.