Miccosukee Tribe Won a Battle Against Alligator Alcatraz, But the War Isn't Over

The Miccosukee Tribe lives in the Florida Everglades, with a tribal village only a few miles from the federal immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." Residents endured around-the-clock vehicle traffic, stadium lights at night, and restricted access to hunting grounds relied on for food. A federal judge ordered the U.S. government to stop sending detainees to the facility and to begin dismantling it within 60 days. The ruling found that state and federal officials violated a federal law requiring an environmental review before federal construction. The order also prohibits further construction at the site, and Florida plans to appeal while tribal leaders vow to continue legal efforts to protect their land and culture.

The Miccosukee Tribe makes its home in the Florida Everglades, where a tribal village sits only a few miles from the federal immigration detention center called " Alligator Alcatraz." Residents for weeks have lived with vehicles coming and going around the clock, stadium lights illuminating the once dark nighttime sky, and the facility restricting access to the game they rely on for food.

A federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to stop sending detainees to the facility and begin dismantling it within 60 days. In making her ruling, Judge Kathleen Williams sided with the tribe and environmentalists who argued that state and federal officials violated a federal law that requires an environmental review before proceeding with any federal construction project. The judge's order also prohibits further construction at the site.

The judge granted the preliminary injunction sought by the tribe and a coalition of environmental organizations. Although the litigation will continue - Florida, which is managing the center on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, plans to appeal - tribal leaders hailed the decision and vowed to continue fighting to protect their land.

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