Federal control of 'Alligator Alcatraz' at issue in environmental groups’ lawsuit

On 2026-04-08, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit heard oral arguments in Miami over whether Florida officials or the federal government control the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention site. Chief Judge William Pryor questioned lawyers for Florida, the federal government, and environmental groups as part of the proceedings. The hearing could affect whether the environmental groups' lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security continues.