MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge in Miami is poised to hear closing arguments concerning the suspension of construction at an immigrant detention facility, colloquially referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” This facility is situated in the Florida Everglades and is currently under scrutiny for potentially violating environmental regulations.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams recently imposed a temporary two-week injunction halting new construction activities at the site, which was established just two months ago at a seldom-used training airport. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures and is presently housing hundreds of individuals.

This temporary order prohibits the installation of new industrial lighting, as well as any activities related to paving, excavation, fencing, or the construction of additional facilities. Importantly, the order does not restrict law enforcement or immigration activities at the center, allowing current operations to continue unabated.

Environmental advocacy groups and the Miccosukee Tribe have petitioned Judge Williams for a preliminary injunction to freeze both construction and operations, citing significant risks to sensitive wetland environments that host protected species. They argue that the project could undo billions of dollars in environmental restoration efforts in the region.

During the proceedings, witnesses testified that at least 20 acres of asphalt have been laid at the site since the construction began. These additions could exacerbate water runoff problems, transfer toxic chemicals into the Everglades ecosystem, and diminish habitats for endangered species, such as the Florida panther. Notably, Amy Castaneda, the water resource director for the Miccosukee Tribe, indicated that nutrient runoff from the center could potentially impact tribal lands and disrupt local wildlife and vegetation.

Marcel Bozas, who leads the Miccosukee Tribe's fish and wildlife department, elaborated on the detrimental effects that human activity in the area could have on the subsistence hunting and fishing practices of tribe members. He emphasized that increased human presence could displace vital game animals and endangered species in the region.

In defense of the facility, David Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, testified that state troopers are empowered to detain undocumented migrants under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He noted that the federal government does not dictate detention locations, and the facility in the Everglades was constructed to alleviate overcrowding in other detention centers.

Attorneys representing the federal and state governments recently moved to dismiss or relocate the injunction request, arguing that the lawsuit was filed in the incorrect jurisdiction. They claimed that since the detention center lies in Collier County, the case should be heard in a different district than the one currently handling the matter. Judge Williams is yet to decide on this jurisdictional question.

Adding further complications, the facility faces another legal challenge. A separate federal judge has granted the state additional time to respond to a motion requesting that civil rights litigation be classified as a class action. This motion is set to be considered in an upcoming hearing, with a Sept. 23 deadline for the state’s response. The new lawsuit alleges that detainees' constitutional rights are compromised as they are denied meetings with legal counsel and are held without formal charges, in addition to bond hearings being canceled by federal immigration courts.

In the backdrop of these legal proceedings, the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is reportedly pressing forward with plans to establish another immigration detention center at a training facility for the Florida National Guard. Recordings suggest that at least one contract has already been awarded for this new site, referred to as the “North Detention Facility.”