Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announced Thursday that an appeals court successfully blocked a ruling from an Obama-appointed federal judge that had halted operations at the controversial immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ August 7th order that had issued a temporary restraining order preventing further construction of the detention facility.
Williams had cited environmental concerns as the basis for her ruling.
DeSantis celebrated the appellate court’s decision, characterizing it as a victory against what he termed a “leftist” judge appointed by former President Barack Obama.
The governor accused Williams of attempting to interfere with Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts.
The facility earned its nickname due to its unique location in the Florida Everglades, surrounded by alligator-infested waters that make escape virtually impossible for detainees.
The remote detention center sits on an abandoned airfield in the middle of the swampland.
DeSantis dismissed media reports suggesting the facility would permanently shut down following Williams’ initial ruling.
He emphasized that illegal immigrants had continued to be processed and returned to their home countries throughout the legal proceedings.
“The mission continues on immigration enforcement. The media was giddy that somehow Alligator Alcatraz was