Environmental concerns could halt construction at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration jail
Share this @internewscast.com

MIAMI (AP) — The construction of a temporary immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” might be paused indefinitely as a federal judge deliberated on Wednesday if developing on delicate wetlands breached environmental regulations.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams implemented a 14-day pause on additional construction at the location while witnesses provide testimony. The temporary order does not impose any limitations on law enforcement or immigration enforcement activities.

The initial phase of “Alligator Alcatraz” launched in July on the site of a lightly used, single-runway training airport. As of last week, it housed fewer than 1,000 detainees, and it is equipped to eventually accommodate up to 3,000 individuals.

President Donald Trump visited the facility last month, proposing it could serve as a prototype for future detention centers across the nation as his administration hurries to bolster infrastructure for increasing deportations.

Inside the large white tents of the compound, rows of bunk beds are enclosed by chain-link fences. Detainees report finding worms in their food, non-functioning toilets that overflow with waste, and constant pests like mosquitoes and other insects. Occasionally, the air conditioning cuts out in the oppressive heat. It is said that detainees sometimes go for days without showers or necessary medications, and they can only communicate with attorneys and family via phone.

Governor Ron DeSantis has mentioned that the site’s location in the rugged and isolated Everglades served as an escape deterrent, mirroring the concept of the island prison in California that inspired the name. The detention center has an estimated annual operating cost of $450 million, according to a public database.

Attorneys for the state and federal government say that although the detention center would hold federal detainees, its construction and operation is entirely under the state of Florida, meaning a federal environmental review wouldn’t apply.

However, the lawsuit by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe says it makes no difference that Florida built the facility, since federal agencies have authority over immigration.

Williams last week said the detention facility was, at a minimum, a joint partnership between the state and federal government.

Plaintiffs presented witnesses Wednesday and Thursday who testified that the facility violates the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of major construction projects.

The lawsuit asks the judge to issue a preliminary injunction to halt operations and further construction, which the plaintiffs say threatens environmentally sensitive wetlands that are home to protected plants and animals and would reverse billions of dollars’ worth of environmental restoration.

Witnesses for the environmental groups have testified that at least 20 acres (8 hectares) of asphalt have been added to the site since the Florida Division of Emergency Management began construction. They said additional paving could lead to an increase in water runoff to the adjacent wetlands, spread harmful chemicals into the Everglades and reduce the habitat for endangered Florida panthers.

Marcel Bozas, director of the Miccosukee Tribe’s fish and wildlife department, said tribe members hunt and fish for subsistence and cultural reasons.

David Kerner, the head of the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, testified that “Alligator Alcatraz” is a state-run facility and said Washington doesn’t tell Florida where to detain immigrants. He said the detention center was needed to alleviate overcrowding at other lockups.

Kerner couldn’t say whether any other sites besides the Everglades were considered for possible detention centers, or how many detainees there have been charged with violent crimes.

The lawsuit was being heard as DeSantis′ administration was apparently preparing to build a second immigration detention center at a Florida National Guard training center in north Florida.

A second lawsuit claims detainees’ constitutional rights are being violated because they are barred from meeting lawyers, are being held without any charges, and a federal immigration court has canceled bond hearings. Over the weekend, a federal judge gave the state until late September to prepare arguments against an effort to get the civil rights litigation certified as a class action.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Reported threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice prompts large police response

Large Police Presence Responds to Reported Threat at Venice Jewish Congregation

The Jewish Congregation received phone calls threatening to “kill everyone,” according to…
Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to join Islamic State group

Minnesota Resident Pleads Guilty to Trying to Join ISIS

A Minnesota man named Hassan has admitted to trying to join the…
Former DOGE staffer Edward Coristine describes brutal DC attack by teen gang

Ex-DOGE Team Member Edward Coristine Recounts Harrowing Assault by Teen Gang in DC

Former DOGE staffer Edward Coristine appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Monday…
ICE in Chicago protest: Neurodivergent man among 4 charged after clash at Broadview ICE facility, supporters say

Chicago ICE Protest: Supporters Report Neurodivergent Man and 3 Others Charged Following Broadview Facility Incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — Four individuals appeared in court on Monday following a…
Vance, Johnson Hold Presser, Rip and Expose Democrats for Government Shutdown Gambit

Vance and Johnson Criticize and Unveil Democrats’ Strategy in Response to Government Shutdown

On Monday, Republicans and Democrats convened in a last attempt to prevent…
Football, family, humor, heart: Hulu's 'Chad Powers' has Glen Powell in sports spotlight at premiere at Pasadena's Rose Bowl

Glen Powell Steals the Show at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Premiere with Hulu’s ‘Chad Powers’: A Blend of Football, Family, and Humor

Football and humor become intertwined in the new series “Chad Powers.” On…
Southport shooting: Woman identified by family as 1 victim of mass shooting at waterfront bar American Fish Company

Southport Incident: Family Identifies Woman Among Victims in Waterfront Bar Shooting at American Fish Company

SOUTHPORT, N.C. — A Southport, North Carolina, family confirmed the identity of…
US government is phasing out paper checks. Here's what that means for you

The U.S. Government is Ending Paper Checks: What You Need to Know

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government starts phasing out paper checks for…
Trump stakes Gaza peace hopes on 21-point plan as Israel, Houthis continue deadly fighting

Trump Introduces 20-Step Strategy for Gaza Peace, Proposing Amnesty for Certain Hamas Members

New York, NY – President Donald Trump released his new 20-point plan…
Would SNAP, WIC be disrupted by a government shutdown?

Could a Government Shutdown Affect SNAP and WIC Programs?

(NEXSTAR) – In just a few hours, the U.S. government might face…
Woman charged with attempted murder in shooting at University of Alabama Arboretum

Woman Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Shooting at University of Alabama Arboretum

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — A woman was charged with attempted murder following…
House Democrats rally at Capitol in last-ditch effort to alter spending bill

House Democrats Gather at Capitol in Final Push to Revise Spending Bill

On Monday evening, House Democrats gathered for a crucial strategy session in…