ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge in Florida is pushing for a resolution in a lawsuit over whether detainees at an immigration center in the Florida Everglades, known as Alligator Alcatraz, are receiving adequate access to attorneys. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell last Friday ordered a two-day conference scheduled next month in her Fort Myers courtroom, involving attorneys who have the authority to settle the case. She also requested an update at a hearing set for the coming Monday, firmly stating that no excuses will be entertained regarding early departures for flights or other meetings. The lawsuit, filed by detainees against federal and state governments, is one of three federal cases challenging the practices at the immigration detention center established this summer by the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
In a separate environmental lawsuit, a federal appellate court granted permission for the center to continue its operations, temporarily halting a lower court's injunction that aimed to close the facility by the end of October. The case was paused during the recent government shutdown but resumed activity last week. A third lawsuit asserts that immigration is a federal issue, claiming Florida agencies and private contractors lack the authority to run the facility.
Detainees’ attorneys are pushing for a preliminary injunction to improve communication between their clients and legal representatives. They argue the current system requires lawyers to schedule visits three days in advance and that they often face scheduling delays that hinder access to their clients before critical deadlines. Florida officials contend that the lawsuit is moot, claiming that the issues raised have been satisfactorily addressed and asserting that the delays were a byproduct of establishing a facility for thousands of detainees in a remote area.
President Trump toured the facility in July, suggesting it could serve as a model for future immigration centers nationwide, while federal officials have agreed to reimburse the state approximately $608 million for expenses incurred during its operation.
In a separate environmental lawsuit, a federal appellate court granted permission for the center to continue its operations, temporarily halting a lower court's injunction that aimed to close the facility by the end of October. The case was paused during the recent government shutdown but resumed activity last week. A third lawsuit asserts that immigration is a federal issue, claiming Florida agencies and private contractors lack the authority to run the facility.
Detainees’ attorneys are pushing for a preliminary injunction to improve communication between their clients and legal representatives. They argue the current system requires lawyers to schedule visits three days in advance and that they often face scheduling delays that hinder access to their clients before critical deadlines. Florida officials contend that the lawsuit is moot, claiming that the issues raised have been satisfactorily addressed and asserting that the delays were a byproduct of establishing a facility for thousands of detainees in a remote area.
President Trump toured the facility in July, suggesting it could serve as a model for future immigration centers nationwide, while federal officials have agreed to reimburse the state approximately $608 million for expenses incurred during its operation.
