Alligator Alcatraz

A federal official confirmed Florida received the FEMA money it requested for the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center. It was awarded the day before the government shutdown.

The handbook submitted last week by the state of Florida in the separate legal-access lawsuit suggests that detainees are warned that guards would enforce strict rules on dress, hygiene and behavior.

The Republican Party of Florida has sold more than $125,000 in merchandise branded with "Alligator Alcatraz." The state's Democratic Party said the GOP is profiting from people's suffering.

The filings say detainees are often transferred just before scheduled lawyer visits, denying them legal representation.

According to the governor’s office, the Baker County facility opened Sept. 2 and had more than 100 detainees as of Friday. It can house up to 1,500 people.

Florida may be forced to choose between forgoing federal reimbursement for the immigrant detention center or facing an environmental review that would risk shutting down the facility.

The three-judge panel in Atlanta on Thursday decided by a 2-1 vote to stay the federal judge’s order pending the outcome of an appeal. The judges in the majority said it was in the public interest.

The legal rights lawsuit claims detainees have been denied the right to meet privately with their attorneys.

State and federal officials asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to issue a stay of a preliminary injunction. If granted, a state filing in another lawsuit indicated plans to again ramp up operations.

A former detainee describes conditions at the Everglades facility and the circumstances of his apprehension by a border patrol agent.

A U.S. Department of Homeland Security official confirmed in an email Friday that the agency is "complying with (the judge's) order and moving detainees to other facilities."

A prayer vigil set for Aug. 31 outside immigrant detention camp in the Everglades