MIAMI — A federal judge ordered a temporary halt Thursday to construction at an immigration detention center — built in the middle of the Florida Everglades and dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" — as attorneys argue whether it violates environmental laws.

The facility can continue to operate and hold detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but workers will be barred from adding new filling, paving or infrastructure for the next 14 days. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued the ruling during a hearing and said she would issue a written order later Thursday.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe say the project threatens environmentally sensitive wetlands and would reverse billions of dollars' worth of environmental restoration.

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