Attorney General Chris Carr has filed a brief in support of the State of Florida’s immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The brief was filed in response to a lower court order that halts construction of the State’s facility due to environmental procedural requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Carr and 21 other attorneys general argue that such federal requirements apply only to federal agencies, not to states that build their own facilities on their own land with their own money.
The attorneys general are urging the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the lower court’s order, allowing construction and operations to proceed. Carr is joined in filing this brief by twenty-one attorneys general from states like Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
The brief cites a variety of court cases to make its central claim against the district court, and in the summary, the attorneys general explain quite simply that the district court exceeded its authority.
They also argue that an important precedent was ignored, stating, “And it overlooks intervening Supreme Court precedent clarifying that Florida’s actions are not subject to NEPA and the limits of judicial power.”
Carr commented on the case and blamed Democrats, whom he states don’t actually care about environmental policy. To him, they only care about blocking immigration enforcement efforts.
“By this logic, a single federal court can stop any state from building a school, a park or a jail, and it’s a dangerous precedent to set,” Carr stated. “This is simple — Florida stepped up to enforce the law and keep Americans safe, and we will continue to back their efforts.”
Carr expressed the same idea on X and shared his pride in working with partners in Florida and the Trump Administration. He stated, “Democrats are trying to close Alligator Alcatraz — blocking critical immigration enforcement efforts. We’re fighting back to protect our communities & keep Americans safe. Proud to stand with our partners in Florida & the (White House)."
