Florida AG commends legal team keeping migrant detention space open
Share and Follow


() Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the legal team behind a recent appeal allowing a contested immigration detention center to continue operating in the Everglades.

The facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by Republican lawmakers was previously under an order to suspend its operations indefinitely after facing litigation over environmental and human rights concerns. A federal appeals court on Thursday stayed that order.

“Thank goodness we got Alligator Alcatraz back open, operating, continuing to deliver for the American people,” he said Friday on ” Live.”

Uthmeier commended the legal “smackdown” and doubled down that the facility is not hostile to the environment or inhumane, which protestors, former center workers and legislators have claimed.

“Everybody gets the resources they need in this facility. It’s air-conditioned,” he said. “Unlike a lot of jails in this country, the staff eats the same food. There’s medical services on site, legal counsel available, so people are getting the fair process.”

Driver in deadly Florida Turnpike crash will be held accountable: AG

Uthmeier also discussed the ongoing case against 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, a native of India and the driver accused in a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike.

Singh is accused of making an illegal U-turn while driving on the state’s major toll road in August, resulting in a crash that killed three people

He now faces up to 45 years in prison and possible deportation.

“The individual did not speak English, could not read road signs, and ultimately engaged in an unlawful, dangerous U-turn that cost three people their lives,” Uthmeier said. “Gross negligence happened at the least, possibly even criminal activity.”

Authorities said Singh is in the United States illegally and was issued a commercial driver’s license from California one of 19 states that grant licenses regardless of immigration status.

“Ultimately, he endangered the lives of Americans. So we’re going to crack down, and we’re going to use every legal tool we have to hold wrongdoers accountable,” Uthmeier said.

A petition circulating online calling the crash a “tragic accident” has garnered millions of signatures, with petitioners asking that Singh get a fair and reasonable sentence for his transgressions.

‘s Brooke Shafer contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
FILE - La Catedral Arena horse race track in Wilder, Idaho is seen in Oct. 22, 2025, three days after the FBI and other law enforcement agencies raided the property as part of a gambling investigation. (AP Photo/Rebecca Boone, File)

Federal Judge Mandates Release of 16 Migrants in Idaho, Highlights Due Process Violations in Detention Raid

BOISE, Idaho — A federal judge has mandated the release of 16…
Broncos star takes a shot at Taylor Swift after beating the Chiefs

Broncos Player Criticizes Taylor Swift Following Victory Over Chiefs

Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron found a unique way to celebrate his…
Shooting at North Carolina Christmas tree lighting leaves 4 people wounded

Four Injured in Shooting at North Carolina Christmas Tree Lighting Event

A shooting incident at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North…
She has won an Oscar, worked with Johnny Depp, who is she?

Oscar Winner and Johnny Depp Co-star Revealed: Who is She?

This week, a Hollywood icon was spotted filming a new project in…
Defiant Dems receive 24/7 protection after Trump threats

Round-the-Clock Security for Defiant Democrats Amidst Escalating Trump Threats

Six Democratic lawmakers are now under constant protection from the Capitol Police…
Moment lifelong vegetarian tries a steak for the first time

Lifelong Vegetarian Experiences First Taste of Steak

A woman who has embraced vegetarianism her entire life recently documented her…
Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

Fugees’ Pras Michel Receives 14-Year Sentence for Illegal Contributions to Obama Campaign

In a significant courtroom decision, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, the Grammy-winning rapper from…
Woman charged in man's fatal stabbing outside upscale Long Island yacht club

Woman Faces Charges in Fatal Stabbing Incident Outside Prestigious Long Island Yacht Club

New York authorities have apprehended a 33-year-old woman linked to the violent…