A federal judge on Thursday ordered a temporary halt to the construction of a controversial immigration detention center — dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” — located deep within the environmentally sensitive Florida Everglades. The decision comes amid growing concerns from environmental advocates and Indigenous groups who argue the project violates federal environmental laws.

During a hearing in Miami, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that while the facility can continue operating and holding detainees on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), no additional filling, paving, or infrastructure work may take place for at least the next 14 days. A written order from the judge is expected later Thursday.

The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of environmental organizations

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