A Florida judge ruled to shut down Alligator Alcatraz, a decision celebrated by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Environmental concerns were one factor in the decision. The ruling requires the state of Florida and the Trump administration to cease construction.
The court order mandates that fencing, lighting, generators, and waste receptacles be removed from the facility within 60 days.
"The Everglades immigrant internment camp is a testament to cruelty, waste, and corruption. It needs to be closed," said Wasserman Schultz.
She credited the decision to pressure from Democrats and legal plaintiffs, including the Miccosukee Tribe, Friends of the Everglades, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
"Last night’s ruling is a victory for the Everglades, and it blunts the reckless environmental threat this facility poses," said Wasserman Schultz.
She emphasized the importance of due process and human rights, calling for an end to racial and ethnic profiling and the cruel conditions in detention facilities nationwide.
During a Friday conference, Governor Ron DeSantis opened by saying the decision to halt the expansion was not unexpected and called federal judge, Kathleen Williams an activist judge.
DeSantis said he'll pursue efforts to challenge this decision, adding that this will not deter the mission to enforce illegal immigration removal.
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