Federal court pauses development while environmental lawsuit proceeds
A federal court in Florida has issued a temporary order stopping construction work at an immigration detention center located in the Everglades, pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by environmental organizations and the Miccosukee Tribe.
Reasons for the order
The ruling by Judge Kathleen Williams halts activities such as lighting installation, paving, fencing, and land filling for 14 days. The order does not affect current operations or the detention of individuals at the facility.
The plaintiffs claim that the project has moved forward without public hearings or an Environmental Impact Study, which they argue violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Facility details and location
The detention center, which can house up to 5,000 individuals, is situated at a former airfield within the wetlands of the Big Cypress National Preserve. Environmental advocates warn that continued construction could damage water quality and threaten protected species such as the Florida panther.
Wildlife biologist Randy Kautz stated that increased traffic, bright lighting, and human activity could push the panthers out of approximately 2,000 acres of habitat. The species’ population is estimated at only 120 to 230 individuals.
Environmental impact and next steps
Wetlands ecologist Christopher McVoy raised concerns over 20 acres of new asphalt paving, warning that runoff containing nutrients and pollutants could disrupt the Everglades’ delicate balance.
Florida officials argue that habitat loss would be minimal compared to the species’ total range and that the facility is operated by the state, making federal environmental laws inapplicable.
The temporary order will remain in effect while the court considers a broader injunction. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
