Federal Judge Denies Request to Close Controversial Florida Detention Center

Fri Dec 19 2025 10:20:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent ruling, a federal judge declined to issue a preliminary injunction to shut down an immigration detention facility labeled 'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Florida Everglades. The decision stems from a plaintiff's insufficient evidence of irreparable harm.

A federal judge has denied a request to close an infamous immigration detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The judge stated that the detainee did not meet the burden of proof required for the preliminary injunction. Multiple lawsuits challenge the practices at this facility, which critics claim operate outside federal oversight and deny detainees legal access.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge on Thursday denied a detainee's request for a preliminary injunction to close the 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. The ruling was issued after the detainee, identified as M.A., failed to demonstrate sufficient evidence of irreparable harm.

U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek stated that while there may be valid deficiencies at the detention facility, the plaintiff had not met the stringent requirements for immediate legal relief.

While there may indeed be deficiencies at Alligator Alcatraz that ultimately justify its dissolution, plaintiff has not made the extraordinary showing needed to justify immediate relief of such magnitude, said Judge Dudek, a nominee of former President Donald Trump.

The lawsuit filed by M.A. is one of three federal cases contesting the rights and conditions at this detention center, which opened in the summer under Governor Ron DeSantis' administration. The claim focuses on the assertion that immigration enforcement is a federal issue, which contradicts Florida agencies operating the facility.

The judge emphasized caution in his decision, recognizing the implications of closing a substantial and costly detention facility without resolving the underlying legal questions first.

In a related federal case, a judge had previously ordered the facility to cease operations for two months due to failure to review its environmental impact. However, this order was later stayed by an appellate court, allowing the facility to remain operational.

A third lawsuit, filed by detainees, seeks to guarantee access to legal counsel, asserting that current policies make it extremely difficult for them to communicate privately with their attorneys.