A federal judge ordered Florida to halt expansion and begin dismantling parts Alligator Alcatraz, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration to quickly appeal the ruling.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams' injunction formalized a temporary halt she had ordered two weeks ago as witnesses continued to testify in a multiday hearing to determine whether construction should end until the ultimate resolution of the case.

A federal judge in Miami has ordered Florida to shut down and dismantle its controversial immigrant detention site known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The ruling gives the state 60 days to remove all facilities and restore the area.