A federal judge is deciding whether to close or keep open a detention site in the Everglades, which environmentalists and the Miccosukee Tribe claim violates the National Environmental Policy Act and threatens endangered species and tribal homelands.

A decision about halting construction and operation at Alligator Alcatraz is expected before the end of the day.

The hearings got tense at times, with District Judge Kathleen Williams sharply questioning state and federal officials about who ultimately “runs the