'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration centre can stay open, appeals court rules

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.

The Department of Homeland Security had begun transferring detainees out of the Everglades site late last month in compliance with the lower court order.

But on Thursday, Florida's Republican governor welcomed the appeals court decision.

"Some leftist judge ruled implausibly that somehow Florida wasn't allowed to use our own property on this important mission because they didn't do an environmental impact statement," DeSantis said.