Environmental Groups Sue to Halt Immigrant Detention Facility in Everglades

News Summary

In a bid to stop the construction of a contentious immigrant detention facility dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Florida Everglades, environmental organizations have filed a lawsuit. The Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity argue that the project circumvented essential environmental reviews required by federal law. The facility poses risks to endangered species in an ecologically significant area, attracting local opposition and sparking concerns over potential adverse impacts on the Everglades’ restoration efforts.

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit Against Immigrant Detention Facility in Florida Everglades

Environmental organizations have initiated a lawsuit aimed at halting the construction of a controversial immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, a project referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, which Florida officials and the Trump administration have been pushing forward, began construction last week despite bypassing standard environmental reviews mandated by federal law.

The lawsuit was submitted by the Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity in response to the facility’s current construction activities. The groups argue that the lack of environmental review constitutes a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires careful assessment of the potential environmental impacts of significant projects.

Location and Ecological Importance

The detention facility is being constructed within the Big Cypress National Preserve, a region recognized for its ecological significance. This site is home to several endangered species, including the Florida panther and the Everglade snail kite. Environmental advocates have expressed concern that the facility stands against decades of dedicated investment in Everglades restoration and conservation efforts, which have seen spending of over $10 billion since 2019.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has raised cautions regarding the project and has requested a thorough study of its potential environmental impacts before any further progress occurs.

Concerns Over Construction Activities

The environmental groups’ lawsuit aims to prevent any additional pre-construction actions until compliance with necessary environmental reviews is achieved. Recent observations have recorded heavy truck traffic and intensive construction activities associated with the ambitious plan to create a 5,000-bed facility. Officials plan for the construction to include prefabricated housing, essential infrastructure for water and sewage, security fencing, and intense lighting.

Significance of Location

The proposed site for this facility carries historical implications, as the Friends of the Everglades was established in 1969 to protest against a proposed airport in the same area. Recently, President Trump visited the site in July 2025 to promote the immigration detention project, accompanied by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Facility Details and Potential Expansion

Initially, the facility is expected to accommodate around 1,000 detainees, with future plans to expand to house 5,000 individuals. The detention center will feature stringent security measures that include over 200 surveillance cameras, barbed wire fencing, and continuous air conditioning in anticipation of the harsh environmental conditions.

Governor DeSantis has described the remote location of the facility as “perfectly secure”, emphasizing its role in enhancing the removal and deportation processes for unauthorized immigrants. However, activists have raised alarms about the possibility of inhumane living conditions within the facility, particularly given the area’s extreme heat and potential dangers from local wildlife.

Community Reactions and Broader Implications

Local residents, alongside some Native American leaders, have voiced their opposition to the construction project, citing environmental risks and the potential infringement on sacred lands. The ongoing lawsuit from these environmental groups forms part of a wider response against what they perceive as an unsustainable and detrimental development within the Everglades ecosystem.

This lawsuit may significantly impact the future of the facility’s construction, emphasizing the critical balance between development and environmental preservation in one of America’s most treasured natural landscapes.

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Additional Resources

• CBS News
• The Guardian
• BBC News
• Palm Beach Post
• Google Search: Alligator Alcatraz