A federal appeals court has just dropped the hammer on a Democrat-aligned activist judge who issued an order to block operations at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center.
On Thursday, the appeals court halted a ruling from Barack Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams.
Williams’ order would have shut down Alligator Alcatraz.
The three-judge panel in Atlanta decided by a 2-1 vote to stay the activist judge’s order pending the outcome of an appeal, saying it was in the public interest.
The ruling allows the facility to continue holding detainees while the case moves forward.
Last month, Williams’ injunction ordered Florida to wind down operations at the Everglades facility by the end of October.
Williams had also blocked the state from further expanding the detention site and required the equipment and fencing to be removed.
Victory secured against activist judge who held me in contempt!
The 11th Circuit not only blocked Judge Williams’ order to close Alligator Alcatraz, but they blocked her from proceeding with the case until the appeal is complete.
A win for Florida and President Trump’s agenda!
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) September 4, 2025
Her order stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Friends of the