Judge Faults ‘Sandbagging’ With Late Updates in Immigration Case

A federal judge warned attorneys for the Justice Department and the state of Florida against “sandbagging” the court after officials posted key information on attorney access shortly before a hearing in an immigration case tied to a detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Judge Sheri Polster Chappell of the Middle District of Florida voiced frustration during a status conference Monday, saying officials had updated the information “at the eleventh hour.”

The dispute centers on whether the defendants complied with a March 27 injunction order to ensure detainees have access to legal counsel and clear instructions on communication with lawyers. Similar clashes over DOJ’s compliance with court orders have persisted throughout President Donald Trump’s second term.

Immigrants’ rights advocates said in court filings that no such information was publicly available as of April 9. Officials began posting updates around April 10, including a detention center webpage and links to a legal visitation guide, according to filings.

Plaintiffs filed an amended notice of noncompliance on Monday, the same day as the hearing, arguing the government’s updated guidance still failed to meet the court’s order.

The updated guidance directs attorneys to request visits in advance and wait for confirmation—steps plaintiffs said conflict with earlier representations that lawyers could access detainees without scheduling. Plaintiffs argued the multi-step process still falls short of the court’s order, a concern Chappell echoed during the status conference.

Nicholas J.P. Meros, an attorney representing the state of Florida, pushed back during the hearing, saying the state didn’t act in bad faith and arguing the preliminary injunction didn’t specifically require website updates. He also said the state only became aware of the alleged compliance issues after plaintiffs raised them in court, adding the dispute could have been avoided if opposing counsel had reached out directly.

The case is the latest in a series of disputes over compliance with court-ordered limits on immigration detention practices during Trump’s second term, particularly around access to legal counsel. The Florida facility is also facing other litigation related to the lack of environmental review before its construction.

The case is H.C.R. v. Mullin, M.D. Fla., No. 2:25-cv-00747, status conference held 4/13/26.