‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration jail can stay open, appeals court says

Move puts on hold federal judge's order last month to close Florida immigration facility

An appellate panel on Thursday put on hold an order to wind down operations at the Alligator Alcatraz" immigration center in the Florida Everglades, allowing its construction and operation to continue.

Last month, a federal judge in Miami ordered the closure of the Trump administration's notorious immigration jail within 60 days, and ruled that no more detainees were to be brought to the facility while it was being wound down.