Gov. DeSantis Responds To Judge’s Ruling To Dismantle Alligator Alcatraz Operations

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is undeterred and vowed to continue deportations after a federal judge issued a temporary injunction to halt operations at Alligator Alcatraz.

Judge Kathleen Williams, an Obama appointee, ruled that no new illegal alien detainees can be brought in to Alligator Alcatraz.

In addition, she has barred further construction and given orders for many parts of the facility to be dismantled within 60 days.

“We knew this would likely happen, and we will respond accordingly,” DeSantis said, according to The Hill.

“We knew this judge was not giving us a fair shake. We totally expected an adverse ruling. We also knew we were going to immediately appeal,” he added.

More from The Hill:

In her 82-page ruling, Williams said the project creates “irreparable harm in the form of habitat loss and increased mortality to endangered species in the area.”

Alligator Alcatraz also prevents Miccosukee Tribe members from accessing the land. However, despite judicial pushback citing reason for pause, DeSantis said he would fight the ruling.

“We’re not going to be deterred. We’re totally in the right on this. But I would also note, because of the success of Alligator Alcatraz, there’s demand for more,” the Florida governor told reporters.

“So, I did announce that we are going to be opening another facility right outside of Jacksonville in Baker County, and we’ve called that the Deportation Depot.”

The second site is expected to hold 2,000 people upon completion. DeSantis announced Baker Correctional Institution, a state prison about 43 miles west of downtown Jacksonville, Fla., would be revamped for federal immigration enforcement last week.

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“This is a win for the environment,” said Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida member Betty Osecola, according to The News-Press.

“And though the preliminary injunction was issued, we still need to take a stand to continue this fight because we know very well the state and the federal government are going to continue in their efforts in appealing this decision,” Osecola added.

Watch DeSantis’ comments below:

The News-Press noted:

Earlier Aug. 22, Alex Lanfranconi, the governor’s communications director, released a statement: “The deportations will continue until morale improves.”

The ruling stems from a June 27 lawsuit filed by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and joined by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. The defendants in the case include the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and Miami-Dade County.

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“So, let’s celebrate this win today, but let’s stay determined for that fight for the long haul,” Osceola said.