Several environmental organizations lodged a federal lawsuit on Friday, claiming that authorities failed to assess the ecological impact while constructing “Alligator Alcatraz,” a detention center for illegal immigrants located near the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve.
The legal action, brought forth by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity in the Southern District of Florida, seeks to halt development at the federal site, which is reportedly being established at the unoccupied Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.
“It’s a baseless lawsuit, disregarding the fact that this land has been developed for over ten years,” commented Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin to Fox News Digital.
An image from an undated video released by the Office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier shows an isolated Everglades airfield about 45 miles west of Miami that state officials say will house a detention center, “Alligator Alcatraz.” (Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier via AP)
“force multiplier,” aiding in the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s mandate.
Funded by the state, the center will cost about $450 million to operate annually with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements.
An alligator rests on the surface of the water near the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport as people rally against the state’s forthcoming “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE detention center in Ochopee, Fla. (Reuters/Marco Bello)
As the lawsuit seeking an injunction moves its way through the courts, work is continuing at the site, FOX 13 reported.
The suit names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and Miami-Dade County.
Florida Emergency Management and ICE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Miami-Dade County could not immediately be reached for comment.
