Florida officials argued that the property was under state authority and not subject to federal environmental law, given its role in housing federal detainees. State Attorney General’s office spokesperson Jeremy Redfern and DeSantis both stated they expected an adverse ruling and pledged an immediate appeal.

The facility, built on the grounds of the Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility, has been used to detain and deport criminal migrants. DeSantis has revealed more than 600 detainees have been deported since its opening this summer and that the site has prompted an increase in voluntary departures.

Florida has also prepared to open a second immigration detention site at Camp Blanding in north Florida, though DeSantis has explained that facility would only be activated once Alligator Alcatraz reaches capacity.