A federal court has mandated a 14-day halt on further construction of the controversial Everglades immigration detention center, known colloquially as "Alligator Alcatraz". The stoppage, ordered by US District Judge Kathleen M. Williams, aims to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Big Cypress while legal debates continue over the facility’s impact on the environment.

The temporary restraining order (TRO) issued Thursday prohibits any new construction activities such as lighting installation, paving, and fencing at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT) site. This order also applies to contractors working with state or federal entities involved in the project. However, the facility’s ongoing operations, which currently house hundreds of detainees with the capacity to expand up to 5,000 beds, will not be affected during this period.

The legal challenge spearheaded by environmental groups including Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, supported by Earthjustice and the Miccosukee Tribe, argues that the rapid construction of the detention center bypassed necessary environmental reviews as stipulated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). They claim the facility’s construction and operation, prompted by a request from the Department of Homeland Security and managed under a 287(g) agreement, qualifies as a "major federal action" thus necessitating a thorough environmental assessment.

During the court hearings on August 6-7, concerning testimonies highlighted potential ecological disruptions; including risks of water pollution from stormwater runoff and displacement of native wildlife such as the endangered Florida panthers due to increased human activity and industrial lighting.

Despite the state and federal governments' stance that NEPA does not apply — asserting state control over the project — Judge Williams expressed skepticism. She noted the federal direction over state personnel for immigration functions under the 287(g) framework, indicating a probable success for the plaintiffs’ claim that the project might violate the Administrative Procedure Act by not adhering to NEPA guidelines.

The court declined to address venue challenges brought by Florida’s Division of Emergency Management chief Kevin Guthrie and federal defendants, including Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, citing the urgency of environmental concerns over jurisdictional issues.

This restraining order, effective until August 21, prevents any further construction developments. The court is scheduled to resume hearings on the matter on August 12, where it will contemplate a more extended preliminary injunction based on the outcomes of the ongoing testimonies and investigations.

Environmental advocates view this temporary pause as a crucial intervention to reassess the potential ecological damages that could ensue from unchecked developments at this contentious site. Meanwhile, state and federal representatives maintain that the facility is essential for immigration enforcement and argue that comprehensive environmental reviews are unwarranted, setting the stage for a heated legal and environmental debate.