ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida is advocating for prompt resolution in a lawsuit asserting that detainees at an immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, referred to as Alligator Alcatraz, are not receiving adequate legal access to their attorneys.
U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has scheduled a two-day conference for next month in her Fort Myers courtroom, requiring attendance from attorneys with the authority to settle the case. She mandated an update during a hearing scheduled for the following Monday.
The court will not entertain excuses regarding leaving early for flights or other meetings, emphasized the judge regarding next month’s conference.
The lawsuit, filed by detainees against federal and state governments, is one of three federal cases contesting practices at the recent detention center constructed this summer by the administration of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
In a separate environmental lawsuit, a federal appellate court in September ruled that the center could remain operational after pausing a lower court injunction that sought to close the facility by the end of October. The appeal was suspended during the government shutdown but was resumed last week.
Additionally, a third lawsuit claims that immigration is a federal responsibility, asserting that Florida state agencies and the private contractors managing the facility lack the authority to operate it.
President Donald Trump visited the facility in July, suggesting it could serve as a model for similar institutions nationwide, coinciding with his administration's aims to expand deportation infrastructure. Despite being operated by the state and private contractors, federal officials have authorized reimbursement of $608 million to Florida for the facility's operation.
In the case regarding legal access, attorneys for the detainees are seeking a preliminary injunction to facilitate better communication between clients and their legal representatives. They argue that detainees must schedule appointments three days in advance for visits, unlike other centers where attorneys can visit freely, and they face delays preventing timely meetings before critical deadlines.
Florida officials, in a motion to dismiss, contended that the case has become moot as the detainees' previously raised concerns have been addressed. They attributed delays to the challenges of constructing a facility for thousands of detainees in a remote area.
“In other words, there is no longer a live controversy,” stated Florida officials in court documents.
