A federal appeals court has overturned a legal order requiring Florida and US President Donald Trump's administration to shut Alligator Alcatraz, allowing the immigration detention centre to stay open.
In a 2-1 ruling, the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit granted a request from the state of Florida and the US homeland security department to block a lower court injunction while a lawsuit plays out.
"Alligator Alcatraz is in fact, like we've always said, open for business," said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Last month, US District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered a halt to the facility's expansion and for its dismantling to begin within 60 days.
Judge Williams, appointed by former President Barack Obama, agreed with environmental groups and a Native American tribe who had argued that the facility should have undergone federal environmental reviews.
