Florida AG Defies Court Order to Close Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is openly defying a court order to shut down a federal immigration detention center in the state. The facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” is located in the Florida Everglades, and has earned its nickname due to its surrounding alligator nests and poisonous snakes.

Uthmeier told local news outlet WINK that he plans to keep the detention center operating, despite a federal judge’s ruling. “We’re going to continue operating the facility,” Uthmeier said. “We believe that it’s a fully lawful facility. This is an effort by environmentalists, by the left, by Democrats, and by honestly this judge, to stall our immigration enforcement efforts.”

The controversy centres around the federal judge’s recent order, which instructed Florida officials to stop operating the facility. The judge argued that the state must carry out an environmental review before the detention centre can remain in use.

Despite the ruling, Uthmeier insists that Florida will continue to assist with President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts. “We’ve already got other facilities ready to turn on in a moment’s notice,” he said. He also mentioned the establishment of the “Deportation Depot,” an old jail now prepared for use, as well as other locations that could house detainees if needed.

While the judge’s order remains in place, Uthmeier’s defiance signals that Florida is determined to press ahead with its immigration enforcement policies.