Environmental Organizations Sue to Halt Migrant Detention Facility in Florida’s Everglades Region

Environmental groups have initiated a federal lawsuit to prevent the construction of a migrant detention center, known colloquially as “Alligator Alcatraz,” on an airstrip located in the heart of the Florida Everglades. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, calls for the project to undergo an in-depth environmental review, as mandated by both federal and state regulations.

Additionally, the groups argue that there should be an opportunity for public commentary on the project. Critics have characterized the facility as a grave threat to the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands, labeling it as both cruel and inhumane.

In contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials support the initiative as part of a broader effort to enforce President Donald Trump’s policies aimed at curtailing illegal immigration. DeSantis recently stated that the center is scheduled to start processing individuals who have entered the U.S. illegally as early as the following week.

Construction is well underway for a complex comprising heavy-duty tents, trailers, and other temporary structures at the airfield, which is located in the Big Cypress National Preserve, approximately 45 miles west of downtown Miami. The state Republican Party has even started marketing merchandise featuring the “Alligator Alcatraz” branding.

The lawsuit is backed by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades, an organization founded by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who was pivotal in advocating for the Everglades. Eve Samples, the executive director of Friends of the Everglades, emphasized that the area is predominantly wetlands and serves as a habitat for endangered species, including the Florida panther.

She expressed concerns over the potential ecological impact of the detention center. Defendants in the lawsuit include various federal and state agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.

Governor DeSantis’s office has expressed intentions to contest the lawsuit, asserting that the facility will not adversely affect the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, a protest led by Native Americans who regard the land as sacred is planned in proximity to the site, highlighting cultural sensitivities in the region.