An appeals court on Thursday set aside a federal judge’s order forcing Florida’s state government to slowly shut down Alligator Alcatraz and blocking the Trump administration from sending new immigrant detainees to the Everglades detention camp.

The split decision by a three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals paused District Judge Kathleen Williams’ Aug. 21 order effectively closing down Alligator Alcatraz while a lawsuit challenging the construction of the facility proceeded. The appellate decision was a victory for the DeSantis and Trump administrations, which argued that the immigration detention camp was crucial to detaining immigrants prior to their deportations.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent

See Full Page