Florida environmental groups sue over "Alligator Alcatraz" project
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Trucks driving into the proposed "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center. Photo: D.A. Varela/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The fight over "Alligator Alcatraz," the proposed immigration detention center on an airstrip in the Everglades, is ramping up — with environmental groups taking the state to court as it races to complete the facility.
Catch up quick: Last week, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's decision to build the facility on the 30-square-mile stretch of land was met with swift opposition from conservation groups and residents.
- Less than five days later, the federal government gave the project the green light. Despite pushback from Miami-Dade County officials, who requested more information about the project, the state seized the land.
- Since, images of portable generators and construction trucks entering the area have continued to surface.
The latest: On Friday, Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity sued federal, state and Miami-Dade County officials in federal court over the project, claiming it failed to complete the necessary environmental reviews and bypassed the required public comment period.
- The lawsuit seeks that the project be suspended "unless and until" the administration complies with environmental laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, the Florida GOP is using the project as an opportunity to fundraise, promoting "Alligator Alcatraz" branded merchandise.
Between the lines: The land, which straddles Miami-Dade and Collier counties, is owned by Miami-Dade County.
- Under Florida law, the governor can take over property if deemed necessary in the event of an emergency.
- The lawsuit asserts that no emergency exists.
What they're saying: "This plan has had none of the environmental review that's required by federal law," Tania Galloni, Florida managing attorney for the environmentalist nonprofit Earthjustice, said in a news release.
- "Cruelty aside, it defies common sense to put a mass of people, vehicles, and development in one of the most significant wetlands in the world."
The other side: In an email, a spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis denied the project would harm the environment and described it as a "necessary staging operation for mass deportations located at a pre-existing airport."
- "We look forward to litigating this case," the spokesperson said.
State of play: The project, which is set to cost the state about $450 million a year and hold up to 5,000 people, is advancing rapidly, with state officials claiming it will open by July 1.
- On Thursday, officials announced the Florida National Guard would deploy about 100 soldiers — and possibly more in the future — to secure the facility, the Miami Herald reported.