ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge is stepping in to address a lawsuit concerning the adequacy of legal representation for detainees at the Florida Everglades immigration center, colloquially referred to as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has called for a two-day conference next month in her Fort Myers courtroom, requiring attorneys with settlement authority to attend. She emphasized that no excuses will be accepted for early departures due to travel plans.

The lawsuit, one of several challenging conditions at the detention center established by Governor Ron DeSantis's administration, alleges detainees are experiencing significant obstacles in securing attorney visits. Legal representatives argue that advanced notice of three days is required for meetings, contrasting with more accessible arrangements at other facilities where lawyers can visit during designated hours.

In addition to this litigation, Florida has faced a separate environmental lawsuit; however, a federal appellate court recently allowed the center to continue operating despite initial injunction orders aimed at its closure.

While Florida officials contest the lawsuit's relevance by stating that many concerns have ostensibly been resolved, detainee attorneys persist in their claims that existing barriers hinder effective legal communication and representation.

Overall, as the legal climate surrounding immigration detention continues to evolve, the upcoming hearing will spotlight critical issues regarding detainee rights and legal access within an increasingly debated framework of immigration policy.