Judge rules Trump must close some of 'Alligator Alcatraz': 'Put the cart before the horse'
A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Trump administration must close parts of a detention center in Florida.
In her opinion, Judge Kathleen M. Williams of the Southern District of Florida ruled that the Trump administration had violated federal environmental laws by building a detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades. Williams found that the administration did not conduct the proper environmental studies before building the facility.
"Under the statutory language, the [administration] cannot put the cart before the horse—they cannot construct a facility and, then only in response to litigation such as the instant case, decide to fulfill their legal obligations," Williams wrote.
To remedy to offense, Williams said the Trump administration must stop construction on a detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades, unless the work is to improve safety and living conditions at the current facility. The administration must also close parts of the facility "once the population attrition allows" to remove generators, sewage lines, and other waste receptacles installed with the project to comply with federal law.
"The construction of the facility may have taken only eight days, but the capacity of the Defendants to remedy the NEPA violations outlined will involve a longer period of time.
"Every Florida governor, every Florida senator, and countless local and national political figures, including presidents, have publicly pledged their unequivocal support for the restoration, conservation, and protection of the Everglades. This Order does nothing more than uphold the basic requirements of legislation designed to fulfill those promises.