In a decisive move against the federal government, a coalition of environmental groups spearheaded by Earthjustice has launched a lawsuit to block the establishment of a migrant detention center on an airstrip within Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve. The planned facility, which has been controversially nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is criticized not only for its potential human rights implications but also for its environmental impact. The center, surrounded by a habitat rich in wildlife including endangered species like the Florida panther, is slated to open next week.

Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, expressed deep concerns about the project. “The site is overwhelmingly composed of wetlands and sits nestled in Big Cypress National Preserve. This project threatens to undermine decades of conservation efforts funded by both state and federal taxpayers,” Samples stated. The environmental risks posed by such a development, she argues, are substantial and unacceptable.

Tania Galloni, the managing attorney for the Florida office of Earthjustice, highlighted the lack of adequate environmental review as required by federal law. “Introducing a large-scale human presence in one of the world's most critical wetlands without proper assessment defies logic,” Galloni remarked. She emphasized the legal grounds for their opposition, noting that the construction proceeds without adherence to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has supported the initiative, praising Florida’s swift action in proposing and preparing the site. Governor Ron DeSantis also voiced strong support, aligning the state with broader federal immigration control policies under President Trump's administration. “Florida is fully committed to enhancing our capacity to process and manage immigration-related matters efficiently,” said Governor DeSantis.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court Southern District of Florida, seeks an injunction to stop all construction activities at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport until full compliance with NEPA and APA is achieved. The legal complaint points out the absence of any conducted environmental assessments or impact statements, a foundational requirement under NEPA.

Furthermore, the complaint addresses safety concerns for both detainees and staff, particularly the high risk of flooding and the lack of a viable evacuation strategy in the event of hurricanes or severe flooding, which are common in the region.

As the court prepares to hear the case, the outcome will not only influence the future of the detention center but also set a significant precedent for environmental and human rights advocacy in the face of federal infrastructure projects.