A federal judge on Thursday ordered the shutdown of the so-called "Alligator Alcatraz" immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, leading to cheers from local environmental advocates.

The ruling by Judge Kathleen Williams of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida sided with the plaintiffs that the facility was doing significant damage to the ecosystem of the Everglades. Williams noted the fragile wetlands have been protected from big developments for decades after a proposed commercial airport in the area was rejected in the 1960s.

"Since that time, every Florida governor, every Florida senator, and countless local and national political figures, including presidents, have publicly pledged their unequivocal support for the restoration, conserva

See Full Page