A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility may remain open, blocking an earlier order that required the center to shut down within 60 days.
In a 2-1 decision, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams’ ruling, which barred additional detainees from being housed at the facility and ordered it dismantled.
Court Pushback
Writing for the majority, Judge Barbara Lagoa questioned Williams’ authority to force the dismantling of the state-run facility.
“It is wholly unreasonable to conclude from the naked assurances of politicians and lawyers that the Facility is federally funded when not only is the record devoid of credible evidence that a legally binding payment decision has been made, but the record undisputedly contradicts that finding,” Lagoa wrote.
Political Reactions
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier hailed the ruling as “a win for Florida and President Trump’s agenda.”
He noted the panel also blocked Judge Williams from moving forward with the case until the appeal is complete.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also celebrated the decision. “Mission continues at Alligator Alcatraz,” he