Environmental Group Ends Lawsuit After Closure of Alligator Alcatraz Facility

NewsWK — An environmental organization has decided to withdraw its lawsuit against the operators of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center after its recent closure. The Center for Biological Diversity announced this decision on Monday, stating that their objectives have been met with the facility’s shutdown.

Ryan Maher, a staff attorney with the Center, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying, “We achieved the desired result with our Clean Air Act lawsuit. This detestable facility’s air pollution will not continue.” The lawsuit, filed two months ago, alleged that the detention center was releasing significant amounts of toxic gases into the atmosphere without the necessary permits, violating the Clean Air Act.

The complaint highlighted the operation of 100 diesel-powered lighting towers and up to 200 diesel-powered generators at the site, which reportedly consumed nearly 8 million gallons of fuel annually and emitted hundreds of tons of harmful pollutants. However, with the facility officially closed and emptied last month, the potential for further air pollution has diminished.

Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the closure, stating that the center had been vacated and was set for demolition. This news followed speculation about the center’s fate, despite denials from federal and state officials regarding any official closure discussions.

While the lawsuit concerning air pollution has been dropped, Maher indicated that legal efforts would continue regarding the environmental impact of the site’s construction. He stated, “The fight continues to ensure that the site is fully remediated and the Trump and DeSantis administrations are held accountable.” The Center is also involved in another lawsuit against the state, claiming violations of the National Environmental Policy Act during the facility’s construction.

This case has experienced a tumultuous journey through the courts, with a federal judge initially ordering the quick deactivation of the facility. However, a federal appellate court later ruled that the facility, being entirely state-operated, was not subject to federal environmental regulations at that time. The matter is expected to be revisited by the lower court this summer.

Officials have begun to receive federal reimbursements related to the facility’s operation, with $58 million released recently out of a promised $608 million.