Split Decision Shifts 'Alligator Alcatraz' Case Jurisdiction

A federal judge in Miami has made a split decision regarding detainees' rights at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center. The lawsuit, claiming lack of confidential legal access, was dismissed, and the case was moved due to jurisdictional issues. Environmental concerns were also raised in a related suit.

A federal judge in Miami adjudicated a split decision in a lawsuit concerning the rights of detainees at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center in the Everglades. The decision entailed dismissing a portion of the suit while transferring the case to a different jurisdiction.

US District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz's 47-page ruling addressed detainees' claims of lacking confidential access to legal representation and immigration court hearings, deeming them moot due to the Trump administration designating the Krome North Processing Center near Miami for hearing their cases.

The decision follows arguments from civil rights attorneys seeking an injunction for ensure detainees' legal access. Jurisdictional questions also arose in a related lawsuit involving environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe contesting further development and operations at the detention site.

(With inputs from agencies.)