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A federal judge issued a split decision this Monday in one of the legal cases facing the controversial detention center for migrants known as "Alligator Alcatraz."
The ruling dismissed some of the plaintiffs' claims but upheld other accusations that will now have to be resolved in a different jurisdiction.
The initial demand: access to lawyers and court hearings
The case was presented on July 16, just a few weeks after the first migrants were moved to the center.
In their complaint, a group of detainees claimed that they did not have confidential access to their lawyers or hearings in immigration courts, which they argued violated their fundamental rights.
During a hearing held in Miami, civil rights lawyers requested a preliminary injunction requiring the facility to ensure private meetings with their legal representatives and to facilitate court hearings.
According to their statement, "the lawyers have been unable to access, let alone identify, the appropriate court for those hearings."
Six of the plaintiffs were able to communicate with their representatives via videoconferences, but they reported that these conversations were not confidential: they took place in open spaces, under the supervision of center staff.
The twist with the designation of Krome
In a 47-page ruling -quoted by the AP agency- District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz stated that the situation changed substantially after the Donald Trump administration designated the Krome North Processing Center in Miami as the venue for processing the cases of all detainees at "Alligator Alcatraz."
This change, the magistrate explained, rendered the main complaint of the plaintiffs moot: the lack of a competent immigration court.
"Much has changed since the filing of the lawsuit," wrote Ruiz, recalling that the civil action had undergone constant modifications.
"Almost all aspects of the plaintiffs' civil action—its causes of action, supporting facts, theories of venue, arguments on the merits, and requests for relief—have changed with each filing," he added.
With that reasoning, Ruiz dismissed the claims related to the lack of access to hearings and lawyers, considering them no longer relevant.
Jurisdiction in dispute
Another key point was the discussion about jurisdiction. The detention center is located on an isolated landing strip owned by Miami-Dade County, but it is physically situated within Collier County, which is part of the Central District of Florida.
The state and the federal government argued that, for this reason, the Southern District - where the lawsuit was filed - was not the appropriate forum.
Judge Ruiz agreed with that position and ordered the transfer of the case.
What part of the lawsuit is still active?
While Ruiz dismissed the main accusations regarding access to legal representation and hearings, the magistrate left the door open for the plaintiffs to pursue another part of their claims: the alleged violations of the First Amendment.
These complaints, related to restrictions on the communication and expression of the detainees, will be examined in the Middle District of Florida, to which the judge referred the case.
Another legal battle: Environmental lawsuits
The judicial landscape of “Alligator Alcatraz” becomes even more complicated due to a parallel process.
Organizations environmentalists and the Miccosukee indigenous community filed a lawsuit to stop the construction and expansion of the center until it complies with federal environmental legislation.
In that case, federal judge Kathleen Williams, based in Miami, ordered a temporary pause of 14 days on the work on August 7.
The witnesses testified last week, and a ruling is expected before the protective measure expires. Williams has not yet decided whether that case should also be transferred to another jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in Florida
What part of the lawsuit against "Alligator Alcatraz" is still in effect?
The part of the lawsuit that remains active pertains to the alleged violations of the First Amendment, related to the limitations on communication and expression of the detainees. These allegations will be examined in the Central District of Florida, as decided by Judge Rodolfo Ruiz.
Why were the main accusations in the lawsuit dismissed?
The judge Rodolfo Ruiz dismissed the main accusations regarding access to attorneys and court hearings because the situation changed after the Krome North Processing Center in Miami was designated as the venue to handle the cases of the detainees. This change rendered the complaint about the lack of a competent immigration court moot.
What environmental controversies does the "Alligator Alcatraz" center face?
The center is facing a lawsuit for environmental violations, as environmental organizations and the Miccosukee indigenous community argue that the construction and expansion of the center did not comply with federal environmental legislation. Judge Kathleen Williams has ordered a temporary halt to the works while these allegations are being reviewed.
What is the position of the Florida government regarding "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The Florida government, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, defends the center as part of a strategy to strengthen the fight against irregular immigration. Despite criticism over inhumane conditions and rights violations, the administration asserts that minimum standards are being upheld and plans to expand the model to other states.
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